Colorado Voters to Decide on Proposition 137

The ballot measure asks voters to allow the state to retain sporting goods sales tax revenue for conservation efforts.

Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in National Parks

Isometric editorial illustration of a dense forest and mountain stream using stylized rectilinear blocks in teal, slate, and mustard tones. — Colorado voters will decide in November 2026 whether to exempt sporting goods tax revenue from fiscal spending limits to fund conservation. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should states retain excess tax revenue for conservation rather than issuing refunds to taxpayers?

Colorado voters will decide on November 3, 2026, whether to pass Proposition 137, which seeks to exempt sporting goods sales tax revenue from constitutional spending limits. The initiative aims to permanently dedicate these funds to wildfire mitigation, water protection, and outdoor recreation programs.

Why it matters

The measure seeks to bypass existing revenue caps to ensure a dedicated funding stream for environmental and recreation projects. If approved, the move would divert funds that might otherwise be returned to taxpayers under current state fiscal rules.

Proposition 137 would direct an estimated $175 million toward conservation programs in the 2027-28 budget year. The measure does not increase sales tax rates or the retail price of sporting goods.

The players

Colorado Voters

The electorate of the state holds the authority to approve or reject constitutional changes regarding revenue retention.

The details

The state currently operates under Taxpayer's Bill of Rights (TABOR) limits passed in 1992, which prevent revenue from exceeding population growth and inflation without voter consent. By exempting sporting goods sales tax, the state would be authorized to keep these funds for specific environmental initiatives rather than returning the surplus to residents.

The Taxpayer's Bill of Rights was originally passed in 1992.
The state collected $1.7 billion in excess revenue during the 2023-24 fiscal year.
Colorado voters will cast their ballots on November 3, 2026.
The estimated transfer to conservation programs is projected for the 2027-28 budget year.

Travel Outlook

This proposal reflects a recurring trend in Colorado to carve out specific industry revenues from the Taxpayer's Bill of Rights. Similar adjustments have been used to fund essential state services while navigating the rigid constraints of the 1992 constitutional law.

Residents should be aware that the measure does not change the price of outdoor gear at retail. However, voters should consider whether they prefer potential TABOR tax refunds or the allocation of these funds toward wildfire prevention and water protection.

The takeaway

Proposition 137 presents a choice between direct taxpayer refunds and a long-term investment in the state's outdoor infrastructure. Voters should review their individual financial priorities against the proposed environmental and conservation spending plans.