A number of new laws take effect today, with others slated to phase in over the rest of the year. Many increase the cost of government services, the most high-profile being a hike to vehicle registration fees. Face the State has obtained a spreadsheet (available here) from the state's Legislative Council detailing 51 fee increase bills and their impact on the state's bottom line: over $562 million in the fiscal year starting today. According to council staffer Chris Ward, the data paints a complete picture of the new fees for Colorado residents, barring minor adjustments to fiscal notes this summer.
Other fees on the rise include surcharges on landline telephones and the 160-fold increased permit fee to operate a dairy farm. Take a look through this searchable spreadsheet to see which fees will impact your family or business.
Overall, 59 bills were introduced during the 2009 session that established or changed fees. Of the lot, only eight were killed, with the balance signed by the governor for a total of $562,969,430 in revenue for fiscal year 2009-2010. Of the primary bill sponsors, 12 are Republicans and 47 are Democrats.
While the spreadsheet does offer a complete picture of bills that created or changed fees, it does not take into account tax exemptions or credits that were repealed this session. Cigarette smokers will pony up an additional 84 cents-per pack, and elderly homeowners will see a suspension of the state's homestead property tax deferral.
Natalie Menten, a Lakewood community activist and previous winner of our Investigative Reporting Contest, contributed to this report.