Statewide ballot measure
Proposition 137 (Initiative 308): Retaining sporting goods sales tax revenue for wildfire and conservation programs
On the November 3, 2026 ballot
- Ballot number
- Proposition 137
- Filed as
- Initiative 308
- Type of measure (Legislative Council)
- Statutory
The ballot question
Shall there be a change to the Colorado Revised Statutes creating new law to increase water and land conservation funding without raising taxes, and, in connection therewith, through a voter-approved revenue change, allowing the state to keep and spend a portion of revenue from the state sales tax on sporting goods and equipment to conserve and protect Colorado’s water, land, and forests, prevent wildfires, support outdoor recreation training and activities, and reduce revenue spent on these conservation purposes if necessary to preserve funding for certain tax credits?
What a vote does
- A yes vote means
- State sales tax on sporting goods and equipment collected on and after July 1, 2027 is exempt from the TABOR limit and goes to conservation and wildfire funds. The fiscal note estimates refunds $175.0 million lower in FY 2027-28. The tax rate does not change.
- A no vote means
- The measure is not enacted. Sales tax on sporting goods stays subject to the TABOR limit and continues to be refunded to taxpayers in years when state revenue exceeds the limit.
Figures from the fiscal estimate
- First transfer: July 1, 2027
- The measure itself takes effect on the governor’s proclamation after voter approval, within 30 days after the official canvass.
- TABOR refunds: $175.0 million less
- Estimated reduction in FY 2027–28; later reductions are not estimated.
- State sales tax rate: Unchanged
Legislative Council ballot analysis
Official documents
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Key dates
- October 2 to October 9: county clerks mail ballots to active voters.
- October 12: drop boxes open.
- October 26: last suggested day to return a ballot by mail.
- From October 27: return your ballot to a drop box or vote center instead of mailing it.
- November 3, 2026, Election Day: ballots are due by 7:00 p.m.
Page updated September 29, 2026