Committee Passes Bill to Increase Transparency, Modernize Regulatory Review Processes

DENVER, CO – The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee today passed bipartisan legislation to improve government transparency and streamline regulations. SB26-137 passed by a vote of 12-0.

“This bipartisan bill would establish a regular overview of government regulations to better understand what’s working and what isn’t so we can improve how we deliver core services for Coloradans,” said Speaker Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon. “Our government should be responsive to the needs of our communities. Our bill would require the state to revisit rules and regulations every five years to identify where departments may not be delivering on our goals and how they can improve.”

SB26-137, also sponsored by Minority Leader Jarvis Caldwell, R-Monument, would require state departments to review their rules and regulations every five years and would add additional considerations to guide these reviews.

Under current law, departments are required to periodically review their rules to determine whether they are still necessary, efficient, and effective. There is no criterion for how regularly this review must happen. 

SB26-137 would add additional considerations during these reviews, including whether: 

• Redundant rules can be eliminated, 

• A rule is outdated or obsolete, 

• Funding levels are appropriate, and 

• The rule can be made more effective.