Signing of Two Landmark Bills Modernizes Unclaimed Property Laws and Launches New Infrastructure Financing Authority
June 5, 2025 (DENVER) — Coloradans will benefit from streamlined access to lost money and new financing opportunities to build stronger, more resilient communities thanks to two major pieces of legislation championed by the Colorado Department of the Treasury.
The passage of the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act and the Building Urgent Infrastructure and Leveraging Dollars bill modernizes the state’s unclaimed property laws and creates a new infrastructure financing program, respectively, delivering tangible improvements to families, businesses, and communities across the state.
“I'm proud that we passed a legislative agenda that addresses the economic well-being of the state and its people by planning for the long term,” said Colorado State Treasurer Dave Young. “Whether it’s helping someone recover money they didn’t know they had or making sure a rural town can fix a failing water system with creative financing, these initiatives improve lives and strengthen our state’s economic foundation.”
Helping Communities Build Critical Infrastructure
Colorado faces significant and growing infrastructure needs that are essential to the state’s long-term economic strength and quality of life. However, too many critical projects are delayed or deferred due to fragmented funding, limited local capacity, or missed opportunities to leverage outside capital.
SB 25-081 marks a major step forward in how Colorado invests in its future. The bill establishes the Building Urgent Infrastructure and Leveraging Dollars (BUILD) Authority, a new state financing entity that will help communities move vital infrastructure projects from concept to construction. By tapping into both public and private capital sources, BUILD creates new opportunities for large-scale infrastructure investments that have historically lacked access to timely, coordinated funding.
More than just a financing mechanism, BUILD is a tool for community-centered economic development. The Authority will prioritize projects that create good-paying jobs, advance sustainability, support historically underrepresented communities, and promote long-term economic opportunity. It also ensures that strong labor standards, apprenticeship programs, and workforce development components are built into infrastructure projects statewide.
“BUILD delivers a bold, future-focused solution to Colorado’s infrastructure challenges,” said Treasurer Young. “It will help modernize schools, upgrade water systems, improve roads, and support clean energy projects, strengthening communities and forging a more resilient and equitable Colorado for years to come.”
Returning More Money to Coloradans, Faster
HB 25-1224, the Revised Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (RUUPA), modernizes Colorado’s unclaimed property laws, making it easier and faster for Coloradans to recover unclaimed money and assets while strengthening consumer protections. The updated law shortens dormancy periods for certain types of property, including virtual currency and retirement accounts, so funds can be claimed sooner. It also streamlines the claims process while safeguarding personal information.
In addition to simplifying how claimed property is handled, the bill establishes clear rules for digital assets, including new timelines for unclaimed virtual currency. It improves opportunities for local governments to recover funds owed to them and lowers fees charged by third-party recovery agents, ensuring that more money stays with the rightful owner.
These reforms build on the success of the Treasury’s Great Colorado Payback Program, which has already returned more than $782.8 million to Coloradans. The updates will accelerate returns, reduce barriers, and help more people access lost money, whether it’s a forgotten paycheck, an unclaimed refund, or funds from a long-dormant account.
“This legislation brings Colorado’s unclaimed property laws into the modern era so the Department can continue to exceed benchmarks and protect the private unclaimed dollars we hold in trust,” said Leah Marvin-Riley, Policy Director for the Colorado Department of the Treasury. “These updates will accelerate our work to return missing money while maintaining our fiduciary responsibility to safeguard taxpayer dollars.”
Securing Colorado’s Future
Together, these legislative successes reflect the Treasury Department’s commitment to building a stronger, fairer, and more resilient Colorado. From modernizing unclaimed property laws to reimaging how the state funds infrastructure projects, these initiatives deliver real, lasting benefits for families, communities, and local economies.
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About the Colorado Department of the Treasury
The Colorado Department of the Treasury is the constitutional guardian of the public’s funds. It is the Treasury’s duty to manage and account for the taxpayers’ dollars from the time they are received until the time they are disbursed. The Treasury’s staff is committed to safeguarding and managing the people’s monies with the same diligence and care as they do their own. For more information, visit colorado.gov/treasury.