< Back June 9, 2020 JOINT RELEASE: DEMS INTRO BILL TO END HANDOUTS FOR WEALTHY CORPORATIONS AND FUND SCHOOLS INSTEAD Bill puts teachers and students before millionaires and big corporations; ensures economic relief is directed to hardworking Coloradans DENVER, CO– Democrats in the General Assembly today unveiled new legislation to protect critical funding for education by eliminating taxpayer-funded handouts to big corporations and millionaires. HB20-1420 , sponsored by Representatives Matt Gray and Emily Sirota and Senators Chris Hansen and Dominick Moreno, would preserve economic relief for middle-class families and small businesses. “Colorado can’t afford to let Washington dictate our tax policy while our schools struggle to avoid teacher layoffs,” said Rep. Gray, D-Broomfield. “These are hard times for everyone, but the changes coming from Washington bring too much harm to our schools and our working families. It’s up to us to fix that.” “We need to support hardworking Coloradans by making the tax code less regressive and more equitable for everyone,” said Senator Chris Hansen, D-Denver. “This bill works to protect important community priorities like k-12 education funding, infrastructure investments, and critical services across our state– areas that have been devastated by the economic crisis and that need additional support.” “Our bill protects economic relief for those who need it most, our small business and middle-class families, and provides a direct boost to hardworking Coloradans,” said Rep. Sirota, D-Denver. “It’s time to pick a side. We can’t afford to give money away to corporations and millionaires while our schools desperately need funding. We need a tax code that reflects our Colorado values and priorities, not one that benefits the one percent.” “This year’s state budget was the most difficult piece of legislation I’ve ever worked on. From education to critical human services, nothing was left unaffected. But we have the opportunity to minimize those effects going forward if we can ensure that our tax code prioritizes people and institutions that need it most,” said Senator Dominick Moreno, D-Commerce City. “By decoupling with the federal government, Colorado can balance our lopsided tax system and bring necessary relief to working families and small businesses.” Several provisions in Colorado’s tax code follow federal law and cost the state hundreds of millions a year, but primarily benefit wealthy individuals and corporations. This legislation makes means-tested changes to eliminate handouts for special interests and the wealthiest corporations while protecting them for hardworking families to avoid devastating cuts to education. CARES Act Loopholes: Eighty-two percent of the benefits from a provision of the CARES Act that allows for the deduction of excess business losses (CARES Act Section 2304) goes to filers with incomes above $1 million. Only three percent of the benefits go to filers with incomes under $100,000. The bill preserves the relief for hardworking Coloradans under that threshold while eliminating it for millionaires. The bill also limits the amount of net operating loss deductions a company can claim in one year to $400,000, preserving the deduction for 98 percent of filers while capping them for the wealthiest businesses. Finally, it rejects a CARES Act hand out of interest expense deductions (CARES Act Section 2306) for corporations larger than $25 million, saving the state $2 million a year. Trump Tax Scam “Pass Through” Loophole: The 2017 federal tax bill, pass-through businesses can take a 20 percent deduction off their qualified business income (QBI), essentially reducing the amount of taxable income. In Colorado, a quarter of the benefit of this tax break goes to households with incomes above $1 million, while households with incomes below $75,000 receive only 11 percent of the benefit. The average millionaire gets nearly a $9,000 break from the state while someone making $30,000 to $40,000 may get $70 or $90. The bill preserves the relief for hardworking Coloradans making under $75,000 while eliminating it for those who don’t need it. Insurance Company Handouts: The bill removes a tax break for insurance companies who maintain an in-state office. Just 85 insurance companies in Colorado get a 50 percent tax break averaging $1 million because of an outdated provision that the State Auditor has found is ineffective at its intended purpose. Capital Gains: Colorado allows a tax break for income on investments in personal property and other capital gains, even if that property isn’t in Colorado. It costs the state $8-$20 million a year, and only 0.2% of all Colorado tax filers get this benefit. The very wealthiest 0.1 percent of Americans—taxpayers with AGI over $2 million—received almost half, or 49 percent, of all capital gains income. Previous Next

The House today passed HB26-1230, which would extend conservation efforts to support rural economies and protect open spaces. HB26-1230 passed by a vote of 58-7. < Back May 5, 2026 House Passes Bill to Protect Open Spaces DENVER, CO - The House today passed HB26-1230, which would extend conservation efforts to support rural economies and protect open spaces. HB26-1230 passed by a vote of 58-7. “The Conservation Easement Tax Credit benefits Colorado farmers and ranchers, protects wildlife habitats and promotes rural resiliency,” said Rep. Matt Martinez, D-Monte Vista, sponsor of HB26-1230. “Our legislation extends this tax credit so we can continue to uplift the hardworking people in rural Colorado and protect our water and wildlife.” “This tax credit is a powerful tool in protecting rural land, making open spaces more accessible and protecting Colorado’s great outdoors,” said Rep. Elizabeth Velasco, D-Glenwood Springs, sponsor of HB26-1230. “With climate change ramping up droughts and wildfires, it is important that we do everything we can to protect our wildlife and ecosystems. By extending the Conservation Easement Tax Credit, we are supporting rural communities and economies while helping Colorado meet its climate goals.” HB26-1230 would extend the Conservation Easement Tax Credit through state income tax year 2036. Originally created in 2000, the Conservation Easement Tax Credit is a state income tax credit for land owners who donate their land to protect and preserve land for natural habitat, open space, agriculture, outdoor recreation and education. The legislature expanded the tax credit in 2024 to benefit smaller or family-operated farms, ranches and private land stewards to meet the backlog of projects and the current demand for credits. A 2024 report from Colorado State University found that for every dollar invested in the Conservation Easement Tax Credit program, the public benefits between $31 and $49. Previous Next

< Back February 10, 2022 BIPARTISAN BILL TO BOOST TEACHER WORKFORCE PASSES COMMITTEE DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee today unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to address the teacher workforce shortage and prepare Colorado students for success. HB22-1057 would waive limitations on the number of days retired teachers can work as substitute teachers. “We’re using every tool available to prepare our students for success and that starts with addressing the critical substitute teacher storage,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan D-Durango. “The pandemic pressures on teachers have been relentless, especially in our rural and underserved districts. This bill would work to boost our teacher workforce by waiving PERA limitations currently placed on qualified, retired teachers allowing them to return to the classroom as substitutes and move Colorado forward.” If passed, HB22-1057 would temporarily waive the limitations set by the public employees' retirement association (PERA) regarding the number of days qualified service retirees can substitute teach. Under current limitations, if retired teachers work over the number of allotted days, their PERA benefits are reduced. The bill temporarily lifts the waiver until July 1st, 2025. Additionally, qualified service retirees can teach in any school district while there is a critical substitute teacher shortage in Colorado. Colorado is facing a significant teacher shortage. During the 2020-2021 school year nearly 13% of teacher positions were filled through a shortage mechanism and more than 200 positions went completely unfilled statewide. This bill aims to incentivize retired teachers to help with shortages by making it possible for them to substitute teach without the fear of losing their PERA benefits. Previous Next

Today, the Governor signed legislation sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Representative Chad Clifford, D-Centennial, to support first responders and help them afford to live in the communities where they serve. < Back April 17, 2026 SIGNED! Legislation to Support First Responders Through Affordable Housing Opportunities DENVER, CO – Today, the Governor signed legislation sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica, D-Thornton, and Representative Chad Clifford, D-Centennial, to support first responders and help them afford to live in the communities where they serve. SB26-053 , cosponsored by Senator Barbara Kirkmeyer, R-Weld County, and Representative Ryan Gonzalez, R-Greeley, would expand eligibility for mortgage loans through the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) to include peace officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), correctional officers, 911 operators, port of entry officers, wildlife officers and their families who don’t qualify under current eligibility guidelines. “This new law is about taking care of those who take care of us,” said Mullica. “By expanding eligibility for Colorado Housing and Finance Authority’s mortgage loans to first responders, we can help ensure that the folks who protect our communities can actually afford to live in the communities where they serve. When we have an opportunity to take care of our first responders, we should jump at that opportunity.” "Our new law will allow more first responders to qualify for affordable housing assistance to support those who give so much to our communities," said Clifford. "There is a concerning trend of first responders not being able to afford to live where they work. Our communities rely on first responders, and this law will expand an existing affordable housing program to save Coloradans money." This legislation would implement an income cap of 110 percent of the CHFA cap on other programs. CHFA’s existing home mortgage program offers access to fixed-rate mortgage loans for low- and moderate-income Coloradans. CHFA also provides homeowner education and down payment assistance to support working families as they live, work, and thrive in their communities. Previous Next

< Back June 3, 2019 GOV SIGNS EXUM’S BIPARTISAN BILL TO PROTECT HEALTH OF FIREFIGHTERS AND MCLACHLAN’S BILL TO COMBAT WILDFIRES (Jun 3) – Governor Polis signed two bills today that protect firefighters and help combat wildfires and protect public safety. Rep. Tony Exum’s bipartisan bill, which was unanimously passed out of the House, looks to protect firefighters from the dangerous impacts of the manmade Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFA) which is used regularly in the profession. “As a former battalion chief, we often used the material during training and this toxic material increased the health concerns of my fellow firefighters,” said Rep. Exum, D-Colorado Springs. “When we used this material, it would frequently contaminate the drinking water of the surrounding communities. This is a long overdue step that we can take to protect our courageous firefighters who fight for us and protect the health of people in our communities.” PFA substances are used to battle high-heat fires. The EPA has deemed this material toxic as it stays in the body for two to seven years upon exposure. HB19-1279 prohibits the use of PFA during firefighting training exercises and includes a fine for compliance failure. The money collected from these fines would go to the Local Firefighters Safety and Disease Prevention Fund. Finally, it also created the Firefighters Foams and Personal Protection Equipment Act, which prohibits the use of PFAs, requires companies to inform consumers if their equipment has been treated with this hazardous material and requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE) to conduct surveys to learn if any stations are using this material. Rep. Barbara McLachlan’s bill to help combat wildfires was also signed today by the Governor. “Wildfire season is fast approaching,” said Rep. McLachlan, D-Durango. “Implementing a system to patrol the airspace above the fires will give our firefighters the tools they need to keep our homes, communities and themselves safe.” SB19-020 directs the Center of Excellence (COE) to study and implement a system to patrol the airspace above a wildland fire. The COE was created under SB14-164 in the Division of Fire Prevention and Control in the Dept. of Public Safety. Its mission is to protect Colordoans, land and resources in Colorado by researching, testing and evaluating existing and new technologie that support sustainable effective and efficient aerial fighting techniques. Detection of drones is currently limited to visual observation which poses challenges during a wildland fire. Previous Next

Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo and Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, today released the following statement about the Aspen Acres fire: < Back July 7, 2026 Mauro, Hinrichsen Statement on Aspen Acres Wildfire DENVER, CO – Representative Tisha Mauro, D-Pueblo and Senator Nick Hinrichsen, D-Pueblo, today released the following statement about the Aspen Acres fire: “Thank you to the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office, Custer County Sheriff’s Office, all the firefighter crews and first responders working tirelessly to help contain the Aspen Acres fire. We urge all residents in the evacuation zone to follow the instructions of local law enforcement to keep everyone safe. “Wildfires can rip away the things we hold dear in an instant, and our hearts go out to the families who have lost their homes in the Aspen Acres fire. The destruction in Pueblo and Custer counties is devastating, and watching our community unite to offer their support has been truly heartwarming. “We will continue to monitor the Aspen Acres fire. Pueblo County is resilient, and we’re deeply grateful to represent this community.” Quick resources: Residents can call (719) 583-4640 for information about closures, evacuations, and the Disaster Assistance Center at the Pueblo Academy of the Arts at 29 Lehigh Ave, Pueblo. Up-to-date information is also available on the Pueblo County Sheriff's Office Facebook , Aspen Acres Wildfire 2026 Facebook Page , Custer County Sheriff’s Office Facebook and Fremont County Sheriff's Office Facebook . Additional resources: If you are a resident of Pueblo or Custer County who has been impacted by the Aspen Acres fire, please visit the online portals to submit your information. Up-to-date wildfire evacuation information is available here . American Red Cross Evacuation Center: Pueblo County Recreation Center at 1650 Cooper Place, Pueblo. Evacuation centers for people and pets and donations for animal evacuees can be found at the Humane Society Pikes Peak Region website here . If you would like to support those impacted by the wildfire, the United Way of Southern Colorado established two donation sites in Pueblo. Review the list of items and locations here . Support victims of the Aspen Acres fire by attending the Southern Colorado Labor Union Community Fundraiser Event on July 10; ticket information . The Aspen Acres fire is the seventh-largest wildfire in state history, requiring the evacuation of more than 12,000 Coloradans in Southern Colorado. As of this morning, the Aspen Acres fire has destroyed more than 260 homes in Pueblo and Custer counties and is 15-percent contained . Previous Next

The House Education Committee passed legislation to save high school students money on post-secondary education. < Back March 7, 2024 Legislation to Save Students Money, Expand Education Opportunities Clears Committee DENVER, CO – The House Education Committee passed legislation to save high school students money on post-secondary education. HB24-1305 would expand access to the Pathway in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH) Program through which high school students can obtain an associate’s degree or professional certificate in certain fields. “Meeting today’s workforce demands means we need to make it easier for high school students to earn no-cost credits toward an associate’s degree or professional certificate,” said Rep. William Lindstedt, D-Broomfield. “This bill builds upon the successful P-TECH program to expand the number of approved programs in which students can earn associate’s degrees or professional certificates before they graduate high school. We’re also making it possible to stack earned credits while still being eligible for tuition stipends at state-run higher education institutions.” “We’re making it easier for our students to save money on earning an associate’s degree or professional certificate while they’re still in high school,” said Rep. Meghan Lukens, D-Steamboat Springs . “This bill strengthens successful collaborations between K-12, higher education, and industry to deliver a no-cost associate’s degree to students when they graduate high school by expanding the number of programs students can earn credits toward. This bill saves students money, supports our workforce demands and strengthens our economy.” HB24-1305 , which passed committee unanimously expands and modifies guidelines for the (P-TECH) Program which allows students in approved programs to graduate from high school with an associate’s degree or certificate in certain disciplines. The bill expands the allowable disciplines to include industries beyond the traditional science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. This bill also updates current law so students who earn credits through the P-TECH program, the Accelerating Students in Concurrent Enrollment (ASCENT) program, or the Teacher Recruitment and Education Program (TREP) program will not count against their allowable College Opportunity Fund (COF) limit. The COF helps save students money by providing a stipend to qualified students to pay a portion of the total in-state tuition when attending a participating college. Previous Next

< Back May 10, 2022 UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE BILL TO SAVE PEOPLE AND BUSINESSES MONEY PASSES HOUSE DENVER, CO – The House today passed legislation sponsored by Representatives David Ortiz and Marc Snyder to save people and businesses money and improve unemployment insurance in Colorado. The House also passed a bill to help small businesses save money when they collect sales taxes. SB22-234 , which passed the House by a vote of 48-17, would infuse the state’s unemployment insurance trust fund (UITF) with $600 million in pandemic relief funds while expanding eligibility and improving benefits to better support Colorado’s working families. “This bipartisan legislation is supported by businesses and workers because it saves employees and employers money and improves how Colorado delivers critical unemployment assistance,” said Rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton. “Under this bill, businesses will avoid cost increases since we will be able to pay back our federal loan to the unemployment insurance fund by the end of next month. We’re also extending a successful policy that encourages workers to accept part time work and reenter the workforce without being penalized.” “I’m proud the House passed two of my bills that will save businesses money and help our economy continue to grow,” said Rep. Marc Snyder, D-Manitou Springs. “Replenishing the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund was one of businesses’ top priorities this session at the legislature, and I’m proud that we delivered this critical relief. Small businesses and workers are the backbone of our economy, and we are doing everything we can to save them money.” SB22-234 invests $600 million to shore up the solvency of the UITF and protect against potential future economic downturns. This will save businesses money on premiums and surcharges and provide certainty to workers who depend on unemployment benefits to continue paying for essentials like food, rent, and transportation while they search for new work. By extending the suspension of the solvency surcharge, a fee placed on employers until the Unemployment Trust Fund reaches solvency, the bill saves businesses money while they continue recovering from the economic conditions created by the pandemic. The bill makes further improvements to ensure the unemployment system works better for Colorado families. It raises the benefit amount part-time workers can receive from 25 percent to 50 percent of the weekly benefit amount, in order to make it easier for workers who are laid off to find part-time employment while seeking a full-time job. It also creates a Benefit Recovery Fund to ensure that workers in Colorado who lack work authorization receive the benefits they already contribute to and their employers pay premiums into. The bill also eliminates the one-week waiting period to help workers access their benefits as quickly as possible once the Fund reaches a sustainable level, clarifies what constitutes an overpayment to ensure workers are not unnecessarily penalized for errors or miscalculations made by administrators or their employer, explores the feasibility of a dependency allowance to better support primary caregivers as they return to work, and requires employers to inform all workers of their unemployment benefit eligibility upon separation. SB22-006 , sponsored by Representatives Barbara McLachlan and Snyder, allows retailers with taxable sales under $100,000 to retain 5.3 percent of the sales tax they collect. Retailers are currently permitted to retain a 4 percent vendor fee to compensate them for the cost of collecting and remitting sales tax. This bill increases the amount small retailers can retain, saving retailers $5.9 million over the next two years. The bill passed 60-5. “Many small businesses could use just a little extra help, and that’s what the bill we passed today will do by saving small retailers nearly $6 million,” said Rep. Barbara McLachlan, D-Durango. “Small retailers face costs when they have to collect and remit sales taxes. This bill allows them to keep even more of the money they collect to cover those costs and avoid price increases or cuts to wages or hours.” Previous Next

< Back January 27, 2020 LANDOWNER ASSISTANCE FOR WILDFIRE MITIGATION ADVANCES Bipartisan interim committee legislation would expand tax deduction for mitigation efforts and raise awareness of mitigation resources available to landowners DENVER, CO– HB 20-1004 , bipartisan legislation sponsored by Representatives Lisa Cutter and Perry Will, today passed the House Committee on Rural Affairs and Agriculture by a vote of 11-0. The bill would help landowners in wildfire hazard areas protect their homes, by increasing outreach efforts between local experts and residents living in these areas. “We’ve heard from communities and residents that they often don’t know about all the resources available to them to protect their homes and other property from wildfires,” said Rep. Cutter (D-Jefferson County). “This bill would provide information on best practices and resources on wildfire mitigation available for landowners, as well as a tax credit for performing such mitigation on their properties.” Colorado currently offers landowners wildfire mitigation resources, but many residents in high hazard areas are unaware of the available resources and best practices. This bill would create a grant program to conduct outreach to landowners to spread information about the resources available to them and the best practices for wildfire mitigation. Local governments, special districts, tribal agencies, faith-based organizations, and nonprofits would be eligible for the grant funding. Currently, property owners can claim a tax deduction for 50 percent of the cost of wildfire mitigation measures up to $2,500. HB20-1004 would create a tax credit of 25 percent of the cost of wildfire mitigation efforts up to $2,500. For example, if a property owner spends $2,500 on mitigation efforts, they would receive $625 off their taxes. Previous Next

Speaker Julie McCluskie today attended a Resort Housing Affordability Stakeholder Outreach and Engagement event hosted by Housing Colorado in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, and the Office for Economic Development and International Trade. < Back August 2, 2024 McCluskie Attends High Country Housing Affordability Event FRISCO, CO – Speaker Julie McCluskie today attended a Resort Housing Affordability Stakeholder Outreach and Engagement event hosted by Housing Colorado in collaboration with the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority, and the Office for Economic Development and International Trade. “Everyone in the high country should be able to live, work and learn in the places they love, but the cost of living in our communities is way too high,” said Speaker McCluskie, D-Dillon. “I’m proud of our focus to make housing, health care and child care more affordable. This event showcased our ongoing efforts to save people money on housing, build more homes in the high country, reduce the cost of renting, and create affordable pathways for homeowners to purchase their first home.” The event was designed to foster dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders committed to addressing housing challenges across the state. Speaker McCluskie sponsored the bipartisan property tax package that will permanently reduce property taxes for families and small businesses. McCluskie has also sponsored legislation to allow resort communities to access Prop 123 affordable housing funding and responsibly encourage more housing to reduce the cost of living in resort communities. She authored successful laws to boost child care affordability , and referred a measure to voters to establish Colorado’s free universal preschool program. Previous Next

< Back May 24, 2021 AG COMMITTEE ADVANCES RURAL COLORADO COMEBACK BILLS UNANIMOUSLY The Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee today advanced three State Stimulus proposals to support rural economies and small businesses, and invest in critical water projects. DENVER, CO– The House Agriculture, Livestock, and Water Committee today approved two bipartisan bills that are a part of the Colorado Comeback state stimulus , a package of legislation that will invest roughly $800 million into helping Colorado recover faster and build back stronger. The bills are focused on bolstering rural economies and restoring some of the damage that wildfires have caused to our watersheds. Both passed unanimously. “The Rural Jump Start program has a proven track record of success creating jobs and supporting small businesses in economically distressed areas and coal transition communities across rural Colorado,” said Rep. Judy Amabile, D-Boulder, sponsor of SB21-229. “The funds we directed toward the Program today will make our rural economies and local communities stronger by boosting businesses that are starting up or need funds to grow.” SB21-229 , also sponsored by Minority Leader Hugh McKean, R-Loveland, invests $3 million in the Rural Jump Start Grant Program, which helps economically distressed communities – particularly communities that will be affected by the market transition away from coal to more renewable energy sources – attract new businesses and jobs. Of the grants available, new businesses can receive up to $20,000 for establishing operations in rural jump-start zones and up to $2,500 for each new job they create. While businesses establishing operations in coal transition communities (as identified in the Office of Just Transition Action Plan ) can receive up to $40,000 as well as up to $5,000 for each new job they create. The bills passed by a vote of 11-0. “Last year’s fire season was among the most destructive in the history of Colorado, and it took an unspeakable toll not only on homes and communities, but also on our forests and watersheds,” said Rep. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, sponsor of SB21-240. “Through a robust investment in the Watershed Restoration and Flood Mitigation Grant Program, this bill helps us mitigate some of the worst effects of droughts and wildfire seasons so we can be better prepared for what’s to come.” SB21-240 , also sponsored by Ag Committee Vice Chair Marc Catlin, transfers $20 million to the Colorado Water Conservation Board for the Watershed Restoration and Flood Mitigation Grant Program to help watersheds recover from the impacts of wildfire. The bill also sets aside funds to conduct a statewide watershed analysis that investigates the susceptibility of life, safety, infrastructure, and water supplies to wildfire impacts. The bills passed by a vote of 11-0. 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