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< Back April 18, 2019 HOUSE GIVES EARLY APPROVAL TO GALINDO-SINGER BIPARTISAN BILL TO REAUTHORIZE COLORADO RESILIENCY OFFICE House also gives preliminary approval to Galindo bill to protect Colorado call center jobs (Apr. 18) – The House gave preliminary approval to Rep. Rochelle Galindo and Rep. Jonathan Singer’s bipartisan bill to reauthorize funding for the Colorado Resiliency Office. Over five years ago, Lyons, Evans, Greeley and other areas of Northern Colorado were hit hard by floods that damaged homes, destroyed two parks and left eight dead. Democrats have been working on disaster relief issues for the past several sessions. “After the floods hit our community, we stuck together and we rebuilt because that’s how we do things,” said Rep. Galindo. “We must continue to work together to help Colorado communities effectively prepare for the next natural disaster or the next flood.” “There are no Democratic or Republican floods, tornadoes or natural disasters. Parts of my district includes Longmont, Lyons and eastern Boulder County and was among the hardest hit areas in the state by the flood and I continue to be proud of the resiliency of our community,” said Rep. Singer. “I’m appreciative of the collaborative, bipartisan approach across the state to make this is reality. This bill will help make our state’s disaster response quicker and recovery more effective.” Rep. Singer is a co-prime sponsor of HB18-1394 which was signed into law last year. The bill created a policy group to help coordinate the state’s response in the immediate aftermath of a disaster and continued the Colorado Resiliency Office, which helps direct long-term rebuilding efforts and community recovery. In 2013, then-Speaker Mark Ferrandino and other lawmakers formed a bipartisan committee to address flood issues. Current State Treasurer and former Rep. Dave Young of Greeley served as co-chair of the committee. This Fall, Rep. Galindo succeeded Treasurer Young as a representative for HD-50 and parts of the district in Evans and Greeley were damaged by the floods. Earlier this month HB19-1292 passed a House committee 8-2 with Republican Rep. Lois Landgraf joining Democrats in support. The House approved HB19-1292l on voice-vote and a recorded vote will be taken at a later date. Previous Next

The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to reduce overdose deaths and improve public health in Colorado. < Back March 1, 2024 House Advances Bill to Prevent Drug Overdose Deaths and Improve Public Health DENVER, CO – The House today advanced legislation on a preliminary vote to reduce overdose deaths and improve public health in Colorado. HB24-1037, sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Elisabeth Epps, would help stop the spread of disease, ensure protections for those who administer opioid antagonists, and expand access to testing strips and other drug testing equipment. “Each year, our state’s fatal overdose count climbs higher; we need to invest in smart, data-driven harm reduction tactics to keep Coloradans alive,” said Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, Chair of the Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee, D-Lakewood. “This bill would expand access to testing strips and harm reduction tools to combat overdoses and the spread of disease, and expand protections for those acting in good faith to administer an opioid antagonist to save someone’s life. We’re committed to combating Colorado’s overdose crisis and working toward building a safer, healthier state.” “Life-saving harm reduction work prevents the spread of communicable diseases, improves public health, and increases community safety,” said Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver . “This bill helps vulnerable Coloradans and frontline harm reduction workers by improving access to test strips, clean equipment, and opioid antagonists – all of which are proven to prevent fatal overdoses and save lives.” HB24-1037 , which was created through the 2023 Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Study Committee , would support efforts by local public health agencies to prevent the spread of disease by offering clean equipment and would expand protections for Coloradans acting in good faith to administer an opioid antagonist, such as Narcan, to prevent a fatal overdose. This bill would also ensure that people who use drugs know they can go to the hospital for care without fear of arrest by removing the requirement that health care providers call law enforcement if the patient is possessing drugs or paraphernalia. This legislation also broadens existing drug testing grant programs to get ahead of the next black market substances hitting Colorado, like xylazine or “tranq”. Previous Next

< Back June 22, 2021 TITONE, DAUGHERTY STATEMENT ON ARVADA SHOOTING, DEATH OF OFFICER GORDON BEESLEY Arvada lawmakers mourn loss of 19-year veteran of the Arvada Police Department DENVER, CO — Representatives Brianna Titone and Lindsey Daugherty (D-Arvada) today released the following statement in response to the shooting that took the life of Arvada Police Department Officer Gordon Beesley and a still-unnamed civilian. “Our peaceful community is reeling from what has become a tragically familiar incident of gun violence, this time taking the life of Officer Gordon Beesley and another innocent person enjoying an afternoon in Old Towne Arvada. By all accounts, Officer Beesley was a kind, generous individual who served his community with dignity and passion. He worked with high school students and developed close personal bonds with them, demonstrating his commitments to the Arvada community. Today, we mourn this untimely passing and send our deepest condolences to the families of the victims.” Previous Next

Representative Meghan Lukens and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon today released the following statements on the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee’s recent meetings. < Back August 20, 2024 Cell Phone Connectivity Committee Outlines Future Legislation, Tours Cell Phone Infrastructure DENVER, CO - Representative Meghan Lukens and Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon today released the following statements on the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee ’s recent meetings. The bipartisan interim committee discussed future legislation and toured cell phone infrastructure in Lyons. Chair Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs: “Addressing the gaps in cell phone service is crucial for the health, safety and well-being of our community members and those visiting our state. Yesterday’s urban field trip allowed us to engage with experts about some of the challenges of cell phone connectivity in Colorado, and experience some of the emerging technologies designed to boost coverage in densely populated areas. “As we work toward finalizing legislation for next year’s legislative session and an upcoming rural field trip in early September, I am working hard to create a future where no one in our state has to question if their cell phone will be able to dial in an emergency.” Committee Member, Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver: “Reliable cell phone service is more than just staying connected with our loved ones; the need to dial emergency services is very real. When we convened the Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee, our goal was to uncover opportunities for making cell phone coverage more reliable in our state, especially in underserved and rural areas. “As we get closer to solidifying future legislation, our vision remains the same – create a future where Coloradans can confidently rely on their cell phone no matter their zip code.” On Monday, August 19, committee members toured a small cell site in Lyons and FirstNet Authority. This outing showcased a public safety broadband network in Colorado, allowing committee members to experience first-hand the infrastructure necessary for fast, reliable cell phone service in densely populated areas. Previous Next

The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro that would modify the Economic Development Rate to help attract businesses to Colorado and create more good-paying jobs. HB25-1177 passed by a vote of 62-3. < Back April 3, 2025 Mauro’s Bipartisan Bill to Attract Businesses, Jobs to Colorado Passes DENVER, CO - The House today passed bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Tisha Mauro that would modify the Economic Development Rate to help attract businesses to Colorado and create more good-paying jobs. HB25-1177 passed by a vote of 62-3. “The Economic Development Rate allows utilities to offer competitive electric rates to large customers and can be a powerful tool to help drive business to Colorado and create more jobs, but the current qualification requirements severely limit eligible projects,” said Rep. Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo. “This bill expands eligible project size and reduces application review timelines to increase the number of projects that can benefit from these lower rates. By attracting more businesses to operate in Pueblo and other Colorado communities, we can create more good-paying jobs, lower electric rates for businesses, and generate more economic growth in our state.” HB25-1177 , also sponsored by Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, R-Trinidad, would make adjustments to the economic development rate (EDR) tariff by: Increasing the maximum project size without requiring approval from the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) from 20 megawatts to 40 megawatts, Expanding the maximum timeframe for rate eligibility from 10 years to 25 years, and Establishing 120-day deadlines for PUC action for projects larger than 40 megawatts to ensure timely review and approval. To be eligible for the EDR, businesses would have to undergo the societal economic benefit test, which takes into account the economic benefits that the EDR provides for the surrounding community, as well as an evaluation of the marginal cost to ensure other ratepayers in the utility’s territory aren’t negatively impacted. The legislature created the Economic Development Rate in 2018, allowing regulated electric utilities to offer lower rates for up to 10 years to commercial and industrial users who do business in Colorado. Previous Next

Bill aims to create more opportunities for Colorado voters to participate in vacancy elections < Back April 1, 2025 JOINT RELEASE: Bipartisan Legislative Vacancy Reform Bill Introduced DENVER, CO – A bipartisan group of lawmakers yesterday introduced new legislation to reform Colorado’s vacancy process used to replace a senator or representative if they leave office before their term ends. HB25-1315 is sponsored by Representative Emily Sirota, House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, and Senators Mike Weissman and Barbara Kirkmeyer. “This bipartisan legislation will democratize Colorado’s vacancy committee process to boost voter participation and efficiently fill vacancies so all communities maintain representation at the Capitol during the legislative session,” said Rep. Emily Sirota, D-Denver. “As lawmaker resignations occur for a variety of reasons, we’ve heard the concerns about our current process and are taking action to increase campaign finance transparency for vacancy elections and limit the time someone can serve before facing an election.” “Vacancies in the General Assembly are an issue I heard about as I traveled the state as the Minority Leader,” said Minority Leader Rose Pugliese, R-El Paso. “The people want to preserve the vacancy committee process while also having the opportunity to vote for their legislators. This bill will do both. It addresses increased engagement with our grassroots while still allowing the people an opportunity to vote in a November odd-year primary election.” "Increasing strains on legislators leading to more frequent resignations have illustrated the need and opportunity to modernize the vacancy process for the Colorado General Assembly," said Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. "This legislation represents a bipartisan way forward that is consistent with Colorado constitutional requirements, allows more input from voters, and does not excessively burden county clerks responsible for conducting elections. Critically, it will also capture raising and spending of campaign funds by candidates who seek vacancy appointments and run in vacancy elections so that voters can understand what influences may be operating in vacancy situations." “For the past few years, voters have grown increasingly alarmed with our vacancy laws for important elected government offices,” said Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County. “A handful of political insiders should not determine who sits in a state legislative seat for years at a time without voters being able to express their will. I’m pleased to be part of a bipartisan coalition that brings impactful reform to this process. This is an important first step in reforming vacancies for important government offices in Colorado.” HB25-1315 aims to increase transparency in the vacancy committee process and broaden participation amongst voters when a legislative vacancy occurs. Under current law, vacancies in the General Assembly are filled by vacancy committee selection until the next general election. Colorado’s approach offers voters more opportunities to participate in the vacancy process than many other states where governors or small commissions make the appointments. The legislative session begins no later than the second Wednesday of January and wraps up 120 days later. HB25-1315 would affect vacancies in the General Assembly in the following ways: If a lawmaker resigns during session or by July 31 in an even-year, the new vacancy committee process will take place and then the selected candidate would run in the normally scheduled general election that November. If a lawmaker resigns after July 31 in an even-year, the vacancy would be filled first by the vacancy committee. Then there would be a vacancy election in the following odd-year November election. If the seat was already on cycle for that even-year, the general election held in November of that year would continue as normal. If a lawmaker resigns during session or by July 31 in an odd-year, the new vacancy committee process would fill the seat until a vacancy election can occur in November of that year. If a lawmaker resigns after July 31 in an odd-year, the new vacancy committee process would take place and fill the seat until the next general election in the even-year. In any scenario, lawmakers would only be able to serve one year before having to run in an election. To run for the vacancy, candidates could qualify by collecting signatures from 30 percent of the vacancy committee members or at least 200 same-party voters in their district. This process aims to improve ballot access for candidates. Unaffiliated voters and voters of the same party would be allowed to participate in the vacancy election. Vacancy candidates running in both the new vacancy committee process and the subsequent vacancy elections in November will be subject to campaign contribution limits and disclosure laws. Currently, candidates participating in the vacancy process are not subject to campaign finance laws. Under the bill, the number of precinct organizers serving on the vacancy committee would double and automatically include any county commissioners who are members of the political party and reside within the district. If a precinct committee person is appointed to fill an open position on the selection committee, they cannot participate in the process until 91 days after their appointment. Previous Next

Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will protect Coloradans’ biological data, support military families by easing occupational credentialing, and increase penalties for cruelty to law enforcement animals. < Back April 17, 2024 JOINT RELEASE: Bills to Protect Privacy, Support Military Families and Protect Law Enforcement Animals Signed into Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed three bills into law that will protect Coloradans’ biological data, support military families by easing occupational credentialing, and increase penalties for cruelty to law enforcement animals. As technology has advanced, there has been an increase in the volume and type of personal data being generated, collected, stored and analyzed, including neurotechnology. With neurotechnology, users cannot decide what specific neural information they are disclosing. HB24-1058 , sponsored by Representatives Cathy Kipp and Matt Soper and Senators Kevin Priola and Mark Baisley, expands the definition of “sensitive data” in the Colorado Privacy Act to include all biological data, including neural data. “This first-in-the-nation law will protect the privacy of Coloradans’ thoughts and biological data,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. “The advancements underway in this field have tremendous potential to improve the quality of life, especially for people with disabilities, which is why we must provide a clear framework to protect Coloradans’ personal data from being used without their consent while still allowing these new technologies to develop.” “Neurotechnology is no longer confined to medical or research settings, it’s in devices we use every day,” said Senator Kevin Priola, D-Henderson. “Outside of these settings, neurotechnologies can currently operate without regulation, data protection standards, or equivalent ethical constraints. While neurotechnology has made significant progress in recent years, it’s important we protect users so that their sensitive information isn’t being collected without their control.” HB24-1097 , sponsored by Representatives Mike Weissman and Rick Taggart and Senators Rhonda Fields and Bob Gardner, allows dependents and Gold Star spouses of US Armed Forces members to participate in the Occupational Credential Portability Program. The Occupational Credential Portability Program was created by 2020 bipartisan legislation to streamline and centralize the credentialing of individuals licensed in another state. The law applies to professions ranging from doctors and veterinarians to electricians and barbers. “This successful program has helped military families transition to new jobs when they move to Colorado, and with this bill being signed into law, dependents and Gold Star spouses will now be able to benefit, as well,” said Rep. Mike Weissman, D-Aurora. “This legislation will make it easier for military families to keep their occupational licenses or credentials when they move to Colorado, so they can more easily continue their careers.” “Military families make big sacrifices to support service members and their communities, and it’s critical that we support them as well,” Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, said. “Expanding the Occupational Credential Portability Program will help uplift members of military families by opening up new opportunities for them to quickly enter the workforce and thrive in Colorado. I’m proud to see this bill signed into law so that we can get military family members the support and resources they deserve.” HB24-1074 , sponsored by Majority Leader Monica Duran and Representative Ryan Armagost and Senators Joann Ginal and Bob Gardner, clarifies that aggravated cruelty to animals, a Class 4 felony, occurs when a person knowingly or recklessly kills or causes serious physical harm to a law enforcement animal. “Intentionally harming or killing a law enforcement animal is a deeply serious offense, and I’m pleased we have taken a common sense step to make it clear that it is unacceptable,” said Majority Leader Monica Duran, D-Wheat Ridge . “It breaks my heart when a law enforcement animal is harmed or killed in the line of duty, and I believe this new law will better align the sentencing for this crime with the seriousness of the offense.” “Law enforcement animals are a critical part of the law enforcement team, and we must do more to protect them,” Senator Joann Ginal, D-Fort Collins, said. “The injury or death of a law enforcement animal results in significant setbacks in crime detection or deterrence, and causes significant emotional distress for the officers who work alongside them. This new law expands the definition to include any animal used by law enforcement to protect the public, and increases penalties for harming them which will help protect the law enforcement animals that keep us safe.” Previous Next

< Back March 20, 2019 HOUSE COMMITTEE APPROVES BILLS TO HELP COLORADO STUDENTS IB exam fee grant & financial aid assistance bills moving through legislature (Mar. 19) – The House Education committee approved two bills to expand state financial aid resources for ASSET students and provide assistance with the fees associated with International Baccalaureate exams. HB19-1196 sponsored by Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, would provide Advancing Students for a Strong Tomorrow (ASSET) students the abilities to receive state financial aid. “Increasing the eligibility for state financial aid will particularly impact Colorado’s small, rural institutions that lack financial resources to supplement state financial aid for ASSET students,” said Rep. Gonzales-Gutierrez. “Improving access to higher education by increasing financial assistance will erase our equity gaps and also be an investment in Colorado’s future.” Currently, ASSET students are eligible for the College Opportunity Fund and institutional aid, but they are not eligible for state aid, including scholarships awarded by the state. The ASSET bill passed the legislature in 2013 with bipartisan support and makes the in-state tuition rate at state colleges and universities in Colorado available to all students, regardless of immigration status, who graduate from high school in Colorado after attending for at least three years. HB19-1196 passed by a vote of 8-5. The bill goes to the House floor. The committee also approved HB19-1222, sponsored by Rep. Julie McCluskie, D-Dillon, and Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins. It will allow funds in the advanced placement exam fee grant program to also be available to reduce or eliminate fees for the international baccalaureate exam for low-income students. “Students taking challenging IB coursework in high school are better prepared for the rigors of college classes and can earn valuable credits toward a college degree,” said Rep. McCluskie. “This bill will help reduce the financial pressure on low-income students so that they no longer have to stress about how they are going to afford their IB exams, but rather can focus on simply studying and passing these assessments.” The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a two-year high school program offered to 11th and 12th grade students that encourage both personal and academic achievement, challenging students to excel in their studies and in their personal development. Around 50 percent of schools that are designated IB schools are state-funded, according to the Colorado Department of Education. “We have a chance at the legislature to assist with some of the burden for students who take the IB exams, ” said Rep. Cathy Kipp. “This is something that is already provided for low-income students who take Advanced Placement exams. We are simply extending it to students in the International Baccalaureate program.” The bill passed on a bipartisan vote of 10-3. HB19-1222 now heads to the House Appropriations committee. Previous Next

On July 1, 2024, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Judy Amabile and Senator Dylan Roberts goes into effect to prevent suicides by regulating sales of sodium nitrite products. < Back June 27, 2024 Amabile, Roberts Suicide Prevention Bill Goes Into Effect DENVER, CO - On July 1, 2024, bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representative Judy Amabile and Senator Dylan Roberts goes into effect to prevent suicides by regulating sales of sodium nitrite products. “Colorado is in a mental health crisis, and the growing frequency of suicide by sodium nitrite products indicates that these products are too easily accessible,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder. “Some private online sellers are marketing concentrated sodium nitrite products as a way to complete suicide, profiting off of the mental health struggles of our loved ones and neighbors. This new law brings much-needed regulation to these products so we can keep it out of the hands of people most vulnerable to it and instead, focus on getting them help.” “Colorado tragically has one of the highest rates of suicide in the country, with a particularly alarming high number of suicide deaths among Colorado’s youth,” said Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Denver. “In recent years, we have seen a disturbing trend where people struggling with suicidal ideation and seeking help online are winding up in a web-based wasteland that offers advice on “how to” take one’s own life. This new law will restrict the availability of the extremely potent sodium nitrite chemical and appropriately highlight its lethality so that we can restrict this means of suicide and save lives.” Sodium nitrite “suicide kits” are easily accessible online and have been reported to be used by Colorado residents, especially youth, in recent years. Websites that sell these kits often have step-by-step instructions on how to use sodium nitrite to complete suicide. HB24-1081 , also sponsored by Representative Marc Catlin, R-Montrose, and Senator Byron Pelton, R-Sterling, prohibits the sale or transfer of products containing 10 percent or greater sodium nitrite to individuals. It can still be sold to businesses, though sellers will now be required to verify that businesses require the product before a transaction can be made, and records of sales or transfers must be kept for three years. Violators will see $10,000 in civil penalties for a first violation, with up to $1 million for a second violation. Previous Next

SB23-105 will further prevent wage discrimination in Colorado < Back June 6, 2023 SIGNED! Legislation to Strengthen Equal Pay for Equal Work Act Becomes Law DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed into law a bill that will strengthen Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act and ensure all Colorado workers are compensated equally for their labor. SB23-105 , sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Janet Buckner, D-Aurora, and House Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon, D-Denver, and Representative Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver, strengthens existing law by requiring the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to accept and mediate complaints, provide legal resources concerning alleged wage inequality, and to order compliance when an employer is found to be practicing wage discrimination. Previously the department was only authorized to do so; this bill provides a clearer directive and the resources and staffing to back it up. “Nobody should be paid less than their peers for doing the same work - but for too many women in Colorado that is still the case,” Danielson said. “We fought to address this inequity through the Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, and this measure will build on that success. SB 105 is a concrete step to address the wage gap between men and women, and I am excited to see this bill get signed into law.” “If men and women are doing the same job, they should be compensated the same, but this isn’t the reality for all women living in Colorado,” said Gonzales-Gutierrez. “This law strengthens Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, further breaking down wage barriers and helping women succeed in their careers. Despite Colorado’s progress, we’re still fighting to achieve pay equity. This law plays a major role in closing the wage gap, ultimately uplifting women and supporting families.” “The Equal Pay for Equal Work Act has made great strides toward ensuring that every Coloradan is paid equally for their labor,” Buckner said. “But unfortunately we are still seeing women earn less than men for doing the exact same job. It’s unacceptable. By requiring the state to investigate and take action when wage discrimination complaints are filed, we can better ensure that every Colorado worker receives the equal pay they’re entitled to.” “By strengthening Colorado’s Equal Pay for Equal Work Act, we’re doubling down on our commitment to closing the wage gap,” said Bacon. “Women are still earning less than men for doing the same job. This law combats wage discrimination and sets women on track to advocate for better, fairer wages. When women earn fair wages, communities are strengthened, families are supported, and our economy grows.” Additionally, SB23-105 increases the amount of back pay that can be recovered in confirmed instances of wage discrimination. The bill also requires employers to follow specific guidelines for job postings and career advancement avenues to further promote workplace fairness. Previous Next

< Back February 27, 2020 ENERGY CONSUMER PROTECTIONS BILL PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO– Representative Mike Weissman’s bill to ensure that energy consumers who rely on retail electric coops for their power have a neutral, in-state arbiter to make judgements on disputes related to their rates was approved by the House Energy and Environment Committee. The bill would clarify the Public Utilities Commission’s (PUC) existing jurisdiction to make decisions on certain complaints received by retail electric coops against wholesale electric coops. The bill was approved by a vote of 9-2.. “Retail electric coops provide increasingly greener, more affordable, and more local power to consumers across our state, including many rural Coloradans,” said Rep. Weissman, D-Aurora. “Our aim is to ensure fairness for energy consumers by clarifying and affirming the PUC’s jurisdiction to make decisions in specific disputes. I was proud to see the committee stand with consumers today.” HB20-1225 would affirm existing statute that gives the PUC authority to hear complaints related to unjust rates, charges, and tariffs. By clarifying this authority, the bill would prevent jurisdictional gaps and ensure that Colorado disputes are handled by Colorado regulators, instead of being taken to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) in Washington, D.C.. This bill does not impact investor-owned utilities or municipal utilities. Previous Next

The House Finance Committee yesterday passed legislation to save Coloradans money on their energy bills and improve pricing stability to prevent unpredictable rate spikes in the future. < Back May 2, 2023 House Committee Passes Bill to Save Coloradans Money on Energy Bills, Improve Transparency DENVER, CO – The House Finance Committee yesterday passed legislation to save Coloradans money on their energy bills and improve pricing stability to prevent unpredictable rate spikes in the future. The bill, sponsored by Representatives Chris deGruy Kennedy and Matthew Martinez, would increase transparency and accountability of utility companies before the Public Utilities Commission. “After convening with policy experts, consumer advocates, and utility companies to uncover what is leading to rising utility rates, we’re moving a solution forward that will save families money on their utility bills,” said Joint Select Committee Vice Chair Rep. Chris deGruy Kennedy, D-Lakewood. “This bill works to create a fairer utility rate setting process so Colordans are not stuck with unexpected, high utility bills. Ratepayers’ interests should be prioritized, and this legislation would improve utility accountability and transparency to keep Coloradans’ concerns and wallets top of mind.” “The Joint Select Committee has been hard at work identifying real solutions to tackle high utility bills that have been impacting hardworking families all winter,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “Our legislation will create a pathway toward long-term, cost-saving solutions that will increase rate transparency and save Coloradans money. This legislation also works to protect ratepayers from having to cover the costs of lobbying, advertising and other expenses that utilities pass on to consumers.” SB23-291 , which passed the House Finance Committee by a vote of 6 to 4, presents a package of reforms to lower utility bills now and in the future. It rebalances the kind of expenses paid by utility shareholders versus ratepayers, aligns incentives on fuel costs, and levels the playing field at Public Utilities Commission (PUC) proceedings, where costly infrastructure plans are proposed and approved. The bill would limit utility expenses that can be paid by ratepayers, such as lobbying and advertising, which would be more appropriately paid by company shareholders. It would also create a cost-sharing mechanism to incentivize utilities to save their customers money on fuel costs, and allow the PUC to set a maximum monthly fuel cost to smooth out monthly bills and avoid sudden price shocks. Additionally, the bill would require utilities to report more detailed justification for their plans when they request a rate increase, which will help regulators and watchdogs make sure proposed investments are truly in the public interest. In addition, the bill empowers the PUC to reduce utilities’ ability to charge consumers for expensive consultants and lawyers that argue on behalf of rate increases. Previous Next