Rulemaking

What is Rulemaking?

Rulemaking is the formal process by which state agencies create regulations (rules) to implement and interpret statutes, and establish policies and procedures, consistent with rulemaking authority provided to state agencies by the Colorado General Assembly. Rules may also be amended for a number of reasons including, but not limited to, changes resulting from routine review of rules, changes recommended by interested internal and/or external stakeholders, changes required by new technology, and changes in the law. The rulemaking process is governed by a variety of statutes and guidance from other government entities that have roles and responsibilities in the process.

The Rulemaking Process

The Colorado Department of Revenue implements a highly collaborative process when developing regulations. The Department may assemble work groups made up of stakeholders and subject matter experts to deliberate and provide direction and guidance for the proposed language with which to begin its formal rulemaking process.

In this process, the proposed rules are published and members of the public are encouraged to provide comment and concerns regarding the proposed rule language. Public comment can be made in writing, in testimony during a public hearing, or both. Upon completion of the public comment period, depending on the structure of the division, either the Department's Executive Director (or their designee), the State Licensing Authority, or the designated board/commission, may adopt the rules as proposed, adopts rules with modifications, or send the rules back for additional work.

How can I get involved in Rulemaking?

Participate in Early Stakeholder Engagement Meetings

Citizens can be involved in the drafting of proposed rules by participating in our informal stakeholder meetings. These stakeholder meetings are held prior to us drafting proposed rules and before filing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking with the Secretary of State. To find out when we will be reviewing specific rules, view our annual Regulatory Agenda and or Rule Review Schedule.

Petition for Rule Changes

You have the right to petition for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of a rule. This provides you the opportunity to identify problematic rules and to help us improve efficiency. The "Petition for Rulemaking" must be submitted to divisions directly (using the emails at this link) and is open to public inspection. Action on a petition is at the division's discretion, but when divisions undertake rulemaking on a matter, all related petitions for the issuance, amendment, or repeal of rules must be considered and acted upon in the same proceeding.

Receive Notice of Rulemaking Hearings

Once proposed rules are drafted, citizens are encouraged to review them and to provide comments to the respective divisions (using the emails at this link).