On Wednesday, Colorado’s Title Board will consider 27 proposed ballot initiatives, many of which are variations on other measures attempting to appear before voters on the November ballot.

The Title Board is a three-member panel that is the gatekeeper for proponents of ballot initiatives seeking to circulate their measures for signature-gathering. The board must determine if an initiative adheres to a single subject, then sets the language appearing before voters in a way that is brief, but covers the central features of the proposal.

This week’s measures largely focus on state tax policy, proposed nicotine and tobacco taxes, and a proposal to establish paid family and medical leave through the ballot box.

Increasing Taxes on Cigarettes and Tobacco Products and Establishing a New Tax on Nicotine Products (Initiatives 224-232): These proposals are variations on several previously-approved measures to raise taxes by between six and 13 cents per cigarette and institute a 42% tax on the manufacturer’s price of tobacco products. There would be a new tax on nicotine products, including vaping devices. The money would go toward preschool programming, among other purposes. The designated representatives are Anna Haynes and James Garcia, residence unknown.

Petitions (Initiative 245): This proposal is virtually identical to a previous measure to establish the right to ballot initiative at all levels of local and state government in Colorado, rewriting several key components of the existing process. The Title Board denied a title to that initiative, No. 127, because they found it pertained to multiple subjects. In this version, the proposal makes clear that it maintains the single subject requirement for initiatives and exempts enterprises from the ballot initiative process to comply with the Taxpayer Bill of Rights. The designated representatives are Natalie Menten of Lakewood and Donald L. “Chip” Creager III of Denver.

Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance Program (Initiatives 247-248): These proposals would cover employed and self-employed individuals who care for a new child through birth or adoption; have a serious health condition; are caring for another family member; or are the victim of sexual violence, stalking or abuse. Those taking advantage of paid leave would see a percentage of their wages funded during that time from payroll taxes and a state-administered enterprise. In one version, local governments may opt out of participating. The designated representatives are Timothy Tyler and Wendy Howell of Denver.

State Out-of-School Learning Opportunities Program (Initiative 250): This proposal is similar to multiple other initiatives to create an Out-of-School Learning Opportunities Agency, which includes the administration of “parent-directed individual learning accounts” for low-income families to apply toward out-of-school learning activities. Funding would occur through the creation of a new income tax credit. Unlike other recent variations, there would be a sliding cap on the corporate net operating loss deduction to offset revenue losses. The designated representatives are Chad Cookinham of Denver and Camille Howells of Wheat Ridge.

Policy Changes Pertaining to State Income Taxes (Initiatives 251-256): These proposals are similar to previously-approved measures to amend the state’s graduated income tax to raise additional money, with a goal of having all residents pay the same percentage of total tax. There would also be a minimum corporate income tax of $250. The revenue would go toward education and addressing “the impacts of a growing population and a changing economy.” The designated representatives are Carol Hedges and Steve Briggs of Denver.

Local Voter Approval of Gaming Limits in Black Hawk, Central City, and Cripple Creek (Initiative 257): This proposal would give authority to the voters of the three local jurisdictions mentioned to license gambling for games outside of those explicitly mentioned in state law. It would also get rid of the $100 maximum limit per bet. Money from gambling would be put toward credential completion and improved student retention, in addition to its current purposes. The designated representatives are Bruce Brown and Bill Cadman, residence unknown.

Tax Deduction for Limited Vehicle Usage (Initiative 259): This proposal would grant a state income tax deduction of between $5,000 and $10,000 to residents who drive their primary vehicle fewer than 12,000 miles per year. The designated representatives are Brian Watson of Denver and John Brackney of Centennial.

Policy Changes Pertaining to State Income Taxes (Initiatives 267-272): These proposals are variations on Initiatives 251-256. The designated representatives are Hedges and Briggs.