Senate panel sends referendum-timing bill to tax committee after debate over school budgets

House Bill 16-81, which would require local public questions and state referendums to be placed on the ballot only at November general elections, was advanced out of the Senate Elections Committee on March 17, 2025, by a 6-2 vote and recommitted to the Senate Tax and Fiscal Policy Committee for further work.

Representative Wescow, the bill's author, said the measure aims to ensure "the highest voter turnout" for measures of "significant consequence" by holding referendums in general elections. "The convenience trade off is worthwhile for the additional input from the public," Wescow said, noting that general elections typically produce the largest voter turnout compared with primaries or special elections.

Opponents — including school boards, district officials and parent groups — said the change could disrupt school budgeting and reduce local control. Todd Singer, vice president of the Oriole Advocates from Avon, described his district's experience: Avon voters rejected a referendum in…