» 2010 Priorities
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Top Priority Bills for 2010
Global Warming Pollution/Clean Energy
Increase Renewable Energy Standard to 30% by 2020 (fact sheet)
HB 10-1001
Position: Support
Summary: Creates a renewable energy standard (RES) requiring industry-owned utilities to generate 30% of thier electricity from renewable sources by 2020 through annual incremental increases. Under current law such companies must increase their renewable generation to only 20% by 2020.
Sponsors:
Senate: Whitehead
House: Tyler
Recent Actions: 02/12/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/05/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/08/2010 House Consideration of Senate Amendment
03/22/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Water
Concerning The Long-Term Funding Of The Water Efficiency Grant Program
SB 10-025
Position: Support
Summary: The water efficiency grant program provides resources to water providers for efficiency and conservation programs. It is currently scheduled to be sunset on July 1, 2012. The bill would change the sunset date to July 1, 2020, and authorizes up to $550,000 for the program.
Sponsors:
Senate: Whitehead
House: Baumgardner
Recent Actions: 02/26/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/25/2010 House Third Reading Passed
05/10/2010 Sent to the Governor
Mandatory Efficiency Reporting For Water Providers (fact sheet)
HB 10-1051
Position: Support
Summary: The bill creates a statewide water data collection system by requiring the state's largest water providers to annually report to the Colorado Water Conservation Board how much water was provided to major sectors of water customers, and more data collection, including how many customers and what conservation efforts the water provider is undertaking.
Sponsors:
Senate: Whitehead
House: Pommer
Recent Actions: 04/13/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/28/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/12/2010 Sent to the Governor
Water-Smart Homes (fact sheet)
HB 10-1358
Position: Support
Summary: Requires sellers of new homes to offer water-smart features, including low-flow faucets and shower heads, Energy Star-rated washing machines and water-efficient landscaping.
Sponsors:
Senate: Johnston
House: Fischer
Recent Actions: 04/13/2010 House Third Reading Passed
05/07/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/11/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
Land Preservation
Preventing Urban Renewal Fees From Developing Rural Lands (fact sheet)
HB 10-1107
Position: Support
Summary: Prohibits any area that has been designated as an urban renewal area from containing any agricultural land unless it meets specific requirements.
Sponsors:
Senate: Carroll M., Tochtrop
House: Fischer, Ferrandino, Hullinghorst, Pommer
Recent Actions: 02/08/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/16/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/14/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Perpetual Conservation Easement Tax Credit ( fact sheet)
HB 10-1169
Position: Oppose
Summary: Restricts the ability of the executive director of the Department of Revenue to contest an appraisal and credit claimed for an easement donated prior to Jan. 1, 2008, unless the valuation has been disallowed by the internal revenue service on or before July 31, 2010, or the valuation is supported solely by an appraisal from an appraiser convicted of fraud or misrepresentation prior to Jan. 1, 2011, in connection with preparing the appraisal.
Sponsors:
Senate: (None)
House: McKinley
Recent Actions: 04/14/2010 House Committee on Finance Lay Over Unamended - Amendment(s) Failed
04/28/2010 House Committee on Finance Postpone Indefinitely
3 Year Cap on Conservation Easement Tax Credit (fact sheet)
HB 10-1197
Position: Support
Summary: Maintain the Conservation Easement Tax Credit caped for 3 years at 26 million. The CETC is one of the only meaningful tools available in Colorado to incentivize private land conservation, help reduce the impact of population growth on priority habitats and species and enable ranching, farming and other rural families to retain their land in traditional uses.
Sponsors:
Senate: Heath
House: Ferrandino
Recent Actions: 02/12/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/29/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/01/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Repass
04/29/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Mining/Drilling
Increase Oversight of Radioactive Materials (fact sheet)
HB 10-1348
Position: Support
Summary: Requires uranium mills, uranium processing facilities, and associated disposal facilities licensed for the disposal of radioactive waste originating outside of Colorado or the acceptance of classified material (uranium processing and disposal facilities) that have caused a release that exceeds groundwater standards to submit an annual report to the owners of wells located within a mile of the contaminated groundwater plume.
Sponsors:
Senate: Kester
House: McFadyen
Recent Actions: 04/05/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/28/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
Secondary Issues
Global Warming/Pollution/Clean Energy
Evaluating New Hydroelectric Energy Facilities For Property Taxation
SB 10-019
Position: Neutral
Summary: The bill requires a new hydroelectric energy facility to be valued for the purpose of property taxation in the same manner in which new wind energy facilities and new solar energy facilities are valued for that purpose.
Sponsors:
Senate: Schwartz
House: Fischer
Recent Actions: 02/11/2010 Senate Third Reading - Passed
03/16/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/18/2010 Senate Consideration of House Amendments - Repassed
Pesticide Act Amendment
SB 10-034
Position: Support
Summary: Authorizes the commissioner of the department of agriculture to inspect refillers, impose residue removal and record-keeping requirements, and set expiration dates for pesticide and device registrations by rule.
Sponsors:
Senate: Whitehead
House: Looper
Recent Actions: 02/02/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/10/2010 House Third Reading Passed
05/10/2010 Sent to the Governor
Cross-boundary Energy Improvement Districts for Renewables and Installations
SB 10-100
Position: Support
Summary: Allows local improvement districts (LIDs) to band together for energy efficiency projects and renewables. Allows such a disctrict to include multiple counties or municipalities. Also allows for installations to made at a community location, rather than on a residential or commercial building.
Sponsors:
Senate: Schwartz
House: Miklosi
Recent Actions: 02/15/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/12/2010 House Third Reading Passed with Amendments
04/15/2010 Senate Considered House Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
05/03/2010 Sent to the Governor
Geothermal Energy Bill
SB 10-174
Position: Pending
Summary: Defines "direct use" of geothermal energy as use for commercial, residential, agricultural, public facilities, or other energy needs other than the commercial production of electricity. Clarifies groundwater geothermal property rights for landowners.
Sponsors:
Senate: Schwartz
House: Massey and Scanlan
Recent Actions: 03/18/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed with Amendments
04/12/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/30/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Biomass Bill
SB 10-177
Position: Neutral
Summary: Defines biomass and biosolids for purposes of renewable energy generation. Sets taxes for biomass energy facilities equal to taxes for solar and wind and exempts property taxes for forestry equipment used in producing biomass.
Sponsors:
Senate: Schwartz
House: Scanlan
Recent Actions: 03/18/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/19/2010 House Third Reading
05/10/2010 Sent to the Governor
Smart Grid Bill
SB 10-180
Position: Support
Summary: Creates a 9-member smart grid task force to report to the General Assembly about implementaltion of Colorado's smart grid. Funds task force through gifts, grants and donations.
Sponsors:
Senate: Williams
House: Kerr
Recent Actions: 04/27/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/07/2010 House Third Reading Passed
05/11/2010 Senate Consideration of House Amendment - Result was to Concur - Repass
Increase Waste Tire Regulation
HB 10-1018
Position: Support
Summary: Consolidates authority over waste tire fees collected upon the sale of new motor vehicle tires. The bill all such authority in the department of public health and environment (department) and adds requirements for fire prevention planning, registration, decals, and manifests for certain waste tire haulers and waste tire facilities.
Sponsors:
Senate: Gibbs
House: Looper
Recent Actions: 03/23/2010 House Third Reading Passed
05/04/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed with Amendments
05/06/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
Administration Of The Stationary Sources Air Quality Permitting Program
HB 10-1042
Position: Monitor
Summary: Requires air quality control commission to make an annual public report about stationary industrial source permits. Changes the open burning law to limit the type of materials that can be burned outside and requires a permit to burn approved materials. The bill increases the civil penalty from $100 to $1,500 for a violation of the open burning law by a person who conducts a burn for noncommercial purposes without a permit.
Sponsors:
Senate: Hodge
House: Peniston
Recent Actions: 02/22/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/14/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/06/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Extending The Recycling Resources Economic Opportunity Fund
HB 10-1052
Position: Support
Summary: Makes the fee permanent. Names the recycling resources economic opportunity program "RREOP", eliminates the July 1, 2010, repeal dates for the existing statutory section creating the solid waste user fee, the recycling resources economic opportunity fund and the recycling resources economic opportunity program.
Sponsors:
Senate: Newell
House: Solano
Recent Actions: 02/01/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/25/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/13/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Rural Electric Association Transparency
HB 10-1098
Position: Support
Summary: Creates more transparency for REA's. Requires member input on board meeting matters to be decided by the board at meetings, and requires the posting of meeting minutes on the association's web site. Requires REA Web sites to include election dates, written policy and campaign contributions by persons employed by the board.
Sponsors:
Senate: (None)
House: Levy
Recent Actions: 03/08/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/05/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/06/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
05/06/2010 House Consideration of First Conference Committee Report result was to Recede (Pass the bill without amendments)
CDPHE Regulation of Food-Based Grease
HB 10-1125
Position: Monitor
Summary: The bill creates a regulation process for grease producers, through the Colorado department of public health and environment, and requires those who process, collect and disposal of grease to register annually with CDPHE. Registrants will be required to complete manifests containing certain information related to grease collection, transportation, and disposal, maintain certain records for a period of 2 years and furnish the records to the department upon request, and submit timely annual reports to the department.
Sponsors:
Senate: Schwartz
House: Hullinghorst
Recent Actions: 03/22/2010 House Third Reading Passed with Amendments
04/27/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/05/2010 Senate Consideration of First Conference Committee Report result was to Adopt Committee Report - Repass
05/06/2010 House Consideration of First Conference Committee Report result was to Adopt Committee Report - Repass
Regulation of Radiation Sources Prior to Disposal
HB 10-1149
Position: Monitor
Summary: Adds fees, penalties and regulations to existing laws regarding radioactive materials prior to their disposal. Defines the terms "radiation machine", "radioactive", and "state board", changes the defined term "ionizing radiation" to "radiation", and reorganizes existing definitions.
Sponsors:
Senate: Foster
House: Hullinghorst
Recent Actions: 03/18/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/19/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/28/2010 House Consideration of Senate Amendments - Repassed
Expanding Financing Abilities for the Clean Development Authority to Fund Renewable Transmission Projects
HB 10-1182
Position: Support
Summary: The bill expands the types of loans and financing agreements the Colorado clean energy development authority may make to facilitate electric power interconnection projects.
Sponsors:
Senate: Schwartz
House: Solano
Recent Actions: 03/09/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/05/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/05/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Environmental Response Surcharge Fee Due Date Change
HB 10-1185
Position: Monitor
Summary: Changes the date by which a person is required to pay the environmental response surcharge or fee for odorized liquefied petroleum gas and fuel products from the twenty-fifth day to the twenty-sixth day of each calendar month. Current law provides that, beginning July 1, 2012, if the available balance of the petroleum storage tank fund exceeds $8,000,000, no environmental response surcharge shall be imposed.
Sponsors:
Senate: Schwartz
House: Priola
Recent Actions: 02/09/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/18/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/12/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Environmental Remediation Costs For Public Utilities
HB 10-1187
Position: Monitor
Summary: Establishes when a gas and electric public utility (public utility) may recover from a commercial customer certain costs to remediate environmental contamination incurred when providing service to that customer. "Gas and electric public utility" is defined as an investor-owned public utility that is the sole available provider of either gas or electric services to a Colorado customer in the area where the customer's property is located.
Sponsors:
Senate: Bacon
House: Balmer
Recent Actions: 04/20/2010 House Transportation & Energy, Room 0107, 1:30, Tie Vote
05/12/2010 House Committee on Transportation & Energy Postpone Indefinitely
Property Tax on Residential Solar Generation Facility
HB 10-1267
Position: Support
Summary: Considers solar installations on homes a household furnishing. The installation will not be considered an income producer unless the facility produces income for the owner of the residential real property on which the facility is located. Also, rebates, offsets, credits, and reimbursements made available by a utility shall not constitute the production of income.
Sponsors:
Senate: Romer
House: Kerr
Recent Actions: 03/15/2010 House Third Reading
04/28/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
Moratorium on Closure of Coal-Solar Power Plants
HB 10-1282
Position: Oppose
Summary: Imposes a moratorium on the closing of any coal-fired power plants that use solar thermal technology, until July 1, 2012.
Sponsors:
Senate: Penry
House: King, S.
Recent Actions: 05/11/2010 House Second Reading Laid Over to 06/09/2010
Postponed Indefinitely
New Energy Jobs Creation Act of 2010
HB 10-1328
Position: Support
Summary: Creates the Colorado new energy improvement
district as an independent public body corporate and a public instrumentality performing an essential public function.
Sponsors:
Senate: Schwartz
House: Miklosi
Recent Actions: 03/29/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/19/2010 Senate Second Reading
04/28/2010 House Consideration of Senate Amendments - Repassed
Solid Waste User Fee
HB 10-1329
Position: Support
Summary: Establishes and imposes a solid-waste user fee and requires 100% of fees collected by attended solid waste disposal sites are credited to those sites.
Sponsors:
Senate: Boyd
House: Peniston
Recent Actions: 03/03/2010 House Third Reading Passed
05/03/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/04/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
Green Jobs Training Pilot
HB 10-1333
Position: Support
Summary: Creates - in the office of the governor - the green jobs Colorado training program, which is a 2-year pilot program. The program will offer grants to applicants who train individuals for jobs in the wind, solar, renewable energy, and energy efficiency industries.
Sponsors:
Senate: Schwartz
House: Vigil
Recent Actions: 03/03/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/28/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/04/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
Community Solar Gardens Utility Electric Standard
HB 10-1342
Position: Support
Summary: The bill directs the PUC to adopt new rules under which standard offers can apply to solar generation facilities that are beneficially owned by 10 or more customers at a shared location, called a "community solar garden". Sponsors:
Senate: Williams
House: Levy
Recent Actions: 03/25/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/27/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/30/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Repassed
Re-energize Colorado, Renewable Electricity for Parks
HB 10-1349
Position: Support
Summary: Creates the re-energize Colorado program, encourgaes the division of parks and outdoor recreation undertake renewable energy generation projects on state land to supply or offset all of its electrical energy needs by the year 2020. Authorizes a qualifying retail utility to waive some of the existing statutory limits placed on net metering and customer-sited generation projects for purposes of meeting this goal.
Sponsors:
Senate: Schwartz
House: Fischer
Recent Actions: 04/26/2010 House Third Reading Passes
05/11/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/12/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
Clean Air Bill and Converting Coal Plants to Natural Gas
HB 10-1365
Position: Monitor
Summary: Requires utilities operating coal-fired power plants to submit emission reduction plans to PUC for either the lesser of 900 megawatts or 50% of a utility's coal-fired electric generating units in Colorado. Plants will give primary consideration to replace or repower coal generators with natural gas or other low-emitting resources, including energy efficiency.
Sponsors:
Senate: Solana
House: Whitehead
Recent Actions: 03/22/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/31/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/19/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Community-Based Renewable Energy Project Requirements
HB 10-1418
Position: Support
Summary: Each kilowatt hour generated by a community-based project will count as two kilowatt hours under the bill. Would keep utilities from claiming the multiplier.
Sponsors:
Senate: Bacon
House: McFayden
Recent Actions: 05/04/2010 House Third Reading Passed
05/11/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/12/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
Regarding Taxation of Renewable Facilities and Transmission Line
HB 10-1431
Position: Support
Summary: Would limit taxation on renewables to the value of the land they use and the costs of the equipment.
Sponsors:
Senate: Penry
House: McKinley
Recent Actions: 05/06/2010 House Third Reading Passed with Amendments
05/12/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
Water
Fines For Unauthorized Diversion Of Surface Water.
SB 10-027
Position: Support
Summary: The bill subjects a person who illegally diverts surface water to the same $500-per-day fine that currently applies to illegal diversions of groundwater.
Sponsors:
Senate: Sandoval
House: Roberts
Recent Actions: 02/15/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/17/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/18/2010 Senate Consideration of House Amendments - Repassed
04/14/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Allowing the Groundwater Commission To Alter Boundaries of Designated Groundwater Basins
SB 10-052
Position: Monitor
Summary: This bill will allow the groundwater commission to revise the boundaries of a designated groundwater basin to omit previously included areas only if the revision would not exclude any wells for which conditional or final permits have been issued.
Sponsors:
Senate: Brophy, Hodge
House: Curry
Recent Actions: 01/28/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/10/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/31/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Metropolitan Sewage Disposal District Voting Exceptions
SB 10-053
Position: Neutral
Summary: The bill excepts weighted voting conducted in accordance with bylaws of the district, applicable resolutions of the board, or other laws or rules governing the procedures of the board from these requirements.
Sponsors:
Senate: Foster
House: Acree
Recent Actions: 01/28/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
02/19/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/01/2010 Sent to the Governor
03/10/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Water Project Revolving Fund List Administration
SJR10-004
Position: Pending
Summary: Changes eligibility, approval and funding of water projects in the state.
Sponsors:
Senate: Whitehead
House: Fischer
Recent Actions: 02/03/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
02/26/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/15/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Navigation Rights of River Outfitter Guides
HB 10-1188
Position: Monitor
Summary: Allows river rafting guides and thier passengers on waterways used for commercial float to make incidental contact with the beds and banks of the waterway while floating and portaging without fear of tresspassing.
Sponsors:
Senate: Hodge
House: Curry
Recent Actions: 02/16/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/22/2010 Senate Third Reading *Bill was amended during second reading and turned it into a study.
05/11/2010 First Conference Committee Result was to No Report
Plumbing Code Water Conservation Standards
HB 10-1204
Position: Support
Summary: Requires the plumbing code to include a standard for water conservation that meets federal standards. And include water-efficient devices and fixtures and locally produced materials when practicable.
Sponsors:
Senate: Soper
House: Tochtrop
Recent Actions: 02/18/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/15/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/05/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Sunset Licensing of River Outfitters
HB 10-1221
Position: Support
Summary: Extends the river outfitting licensure program until September 1, 2019. Broadens the definition of "advertise" in connection with the licensure requirement. Directs the board of parks and outdoor recreation (board) to adopt a schedule for license renewals, with license terms not to exceed
3 years.
Sponsors:
Senate: Curry
House: Schwartz
Recent Actions: 03/15/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/27/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/30/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Repassed
Funding Colorado Water Conservation Board Projects
HB 10-1250
Position: Support
Summary: Appropriates from the Colorado water conservation board construction fund $250,000 for continuation of satellite monitoring system maintenance; $50,000 for instream flow engineering and technical support services; $175,000 for continuation of the weather modification program; $500,000 for continuation of the Colorado floodplain map modernization program; $250,000 for continuation of the watershed restoration program; and up to $300,000 to restore the unencumbered balance in the flood response fund to $300,000.
Sponsors:
Senate: Hodge
House: Fischer
Recent Actions: 03/15/2010 House Third Reading Passed
05/10/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/11/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
Growth/Transportation
Revenue Department's Division Of Motor Vehicles Donations To Go To The Colorado State Titling And Registration Account In The Highway Users Tax Fund.
SB 10-055
Position: Neutral
Summary: Allows the revenue department's division of motor vehicles to accept gifts, grants, and donations to develop and operate the Colorado state titling and registration system. Received donations are credited to the Colorado state titling and registration account in the highway users tax fund. Money leftover in the account at the end of a fiscal year remains in the account and isn't transferred to the general fund or any other fund.
Sponsors:
Senate: Harvey
House: (None)
Recent Actions: 02/02/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/29/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/21/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Creating a Colorado State Park License Plate
SB 10-103
Position: Neutral
Summary: The bill creates the Colorado state parks special license plate. A person becomes eligible for the plate by donating $44 to the foundation for Colorado state parks. In addition to the normal motor vehicle fees, the plate requires 2 one-time fees of $25. One of the fees is credited to the highway users tax fund and the other to the licensing services cash fund.
Sponsors:
Senate: Sandoval
House: Baumgardner
Recent Actions: 02/24/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed with Amendments
04/28/2010 House Second Reading Passed with Amendments
04/29/2010 House Third Reading Laid Over Daily
05/05/2010 Senate Considered House Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
Modifying the "Urban and Rural Enterprise Zone Act" to Improve Accountability
SB 10-162
Position: Monitor
Summary: Specifies that the population of an enterprise zone shall be calculated using data from the most recent federal decennial census at the county, municipal, or block levels. In addition, the bill increases the population limitation for an urban enterprise zone to 115,000 people and increases the limitation for a rural enterprise zone to 150,000 people.
Sponsors:
Senate: Hullinghorst
House: Heath
Recent Actions: 03/29/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/27/2010 House Third Reading Passed
05/05/2010 Senate Repassed With Amendments
Contracting "High-Performance Transportation Enterprise" to Develop Reversible Lanes on I-70
SB 10-184
Position: Monitor
Summary: Would allow a third-party to contract with the state to operate reversible lanes on I-70 in an attempt to relieve congestion. Would allow for multi-year contracts and possible lease-purchase agreements.
Sponsors:
Senate: Romer
House: Scanlan
Recent Actions: 04/23/2010 Senate Second Reading
05/07/2010 House Third Reading Passed
Registering Farm Vehicles
HB 10-1101
Position: Neutral
Summary: The bill exempts people who use at least 100 acres for agricultural production from this requirement to register a farm truck. Currently, a county clerk may require that a person demonstrate that the person's primary business is agriculture to register a motor vehicle as a farm truck.
Sponsors:
Senate: (None)
House: Baumgardner
Recent Actions: 03/11/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/05/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/29/2010 Sent to the Governor
05/10/2010 Governor Action - Vetoed
Distressed Property Regulation
HB 10-1118
Position: Pending
Summary: The bill specifies that the regulation of distressed real property is a matter of purely local concern and adds an enumerated power so that the board of county commissioners may adopt ordinances related to this matter.
Sponsors:
Senate: Hudak
House: Kerr J.
Recent Actions: 02/19/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/19/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/28/2010 House Consideration of Senate Amendments - Repassed
Increasing Safety of Roads for Non-Motorized Vehicles
HB 10-1147
Position: Support
Summary: Takes numerous steps to increase the safety of non-motorized transportation on roads throughout Colorado. Codifies the existing bicycle and pedestrian policy directive of the department of transportation (CDOT) into law and makes legislative declarations.
Sponsors:
Senate: Bacon
House: Kefalas
Recent Actions: 03/03/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/19/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/28/2010 House Consideration of Senate Amendments - Repassed
Eliminates State Tax Credit for Vehicles That Get Less Than 40 Miles Per Gallon
HB 10-1196
Position: Monitor
Summary: Disqualifies category 7 motor vehicles (motor vehicles that meet certain federal guidelines and have a minimum fuel economy of 30 miles per gallon but less than 40 miles per gallon) from the state income tax credit for purchases of category 7 motor vehicles made on or after January 1, 2011. Current law specifies that such vehicles qualify for a state income tax credit for the purchase of vehicles using alternative fuels for the tax years commencing January 1, 2010, and January 1, 2011.
Sponsors:
Senate: Heath
House: Ferrandino
Recent Actions: 02/01/2010 House Third Reading Passed
02/10/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
02/24/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Reducing the Late Registration Penalty For Vehicles Under 2,000 Pounds
HB 10-1211
Position: Monitor
Summary: As of July 1, 2010, the bill reduces the penalty for late registration of a vehicle without motive power that weighs 2,000 pounds or less from $25 per month up to $100 to $10.
Sponsors:
Senate: Williams
House: Tyler
Recent Actions: 02/23/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/23/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed with Amendments
04/16/2010 Senate Considered House Amendments - Result was to Recede from Senate Position (Pass the bill without amendments)
Establish Allowable Circumstances to Eliminate Late Vehicle Registration Fee
HB 10-1212
Position: Monitor
Summary: Requires the Department of Revenue Director to establish circumstances in which a vehicle owner shall be exempted from paying the late fee for late registration of a motor vehicle. Requires the rules to be statewide and include "Acts of God" and weather-related delays; Office closures and furloughs; Medical hardships, and others.
Sponsors:
Senate: White
House: Schwartz
Recent Actions: 02/23/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/23/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/26/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
04/15/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Allow Special Districts to Join Regional Transportation Authorities to Fund Transportation Initiatives
HB 10-1243
Position: Monitor
Summary: The bill allows a special district to join with municipalities/counties to create a Regional Transportation Authority and raise taxes to fund roadway, safety, or transportation purposes.
Sponsors:
Senate: McFayden
House: Gibbs
Recent Actions: 04/05/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/28/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
Railroad Right-of-Way Sale for Public Passenger Service
HB 10-1276
Position: Support
Summary: Allows a railroad company to sell its right-of-way for a public passenger service.
Sponsors:
Senate: Mitchell
House: Levy
Recent Actions: 03/16/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/05/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/05/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Increase Fines to Fund Tax Incentives for Commercial Vehicles
HB 10-1285
Position: Monitor
Summary: Raises fines on overweight vehicles an uses the fine to fund a sales tax refund and income credit for commercial vehicle investment in Colorado.
Sponsors:
Senate: Tapia
House: Priola
Recent Actions: 04/27/2010 House Third Reading Passed
05/11/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/12/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
Land-Use Approval Regulation by Local Governments
HB 10-1292
Position: Monitor
Summary: Prohibits local governments from imposing discretionary conditions upon a land-use approval unless the condition is based upon duly adopted standards that are sufficiently specific to ensure that the condition is imposed in a rational and consistent manner.
Sponsors:
Senate: Harvey
House: Murray
Recent Actions: 03/03/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/29/2010 Senate Second Reading Laid Over to 05/13/2010
Postponed Indefinitely
Agricultural Land Property Tax Study
HB 10-1293
Position: Monitor
Summary: Creates task force to study assessment and classification of agricultural and residential land and propose statutory modifications to ensure that land is valued based on its actual use. Task force could create up to five bills based on their conclusions.
Sponsors:
Senate: (None)
House: Massey
Recent Actions: 03/22/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/13/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/19/2010 House Consideration of Senate Amendments - Repassed
Insurance Title Register Vehicles Funds
HB 10-1341
Position: Monitor
Summary: The bill transfers moneys in the motorist insurance identification account in the highway users tax fund in excess of its appropriations to the Colorado state titling and registration account in the highway users tax fund.
Sponsors:
Senate: (None)
House: Judd
Recent Actions: 03/22/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/28/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
Study Options for Devolution of State Highways
HB 10-1405
Position: Monitor
Summary: Requires the transportation commission to conduct or direct the department of transportation to conduct a study of the state highway system for the purpose of determining which state highways or portions of state highways are commuter highways and to report results to the transportation committees of the General Assembly.
Sponsors:
Senate: Vaad
House: Spence
Recent Actions: 04/29/2010 House Third Reading Passed
05/11/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/12/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
Oil & Gas/Severance Tax
Incorporating Oil and Gas Wells Into the Prior Appropriation System
SB 10-165
Position: Nuetral
Summary: Except for coal bed methane wells, no well permit is required if the nontributary ground water being removed will not be beneficially used or beneficially used only for uses allowed under the "Oil and Gas Conservation Act". Extends the well permitting and substitute water supply plan compliance deadlines for oil and gas wells, including coal bed methane wells, from March 31, 2010, to August 1, 2010.
Sponsors:
Senate: Hodge
House: Hullinghorst
Recent Actions: 02/22/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/08/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/22/2010 Governer Action - Signed
Severance Tax Withholding Penalty
HB 10-1060
Position: Support
Summary: The bill establishes a penalty for producers or purchasers that fail to make the 1% severance tax payment that is equal to 10% of the payment owed or $50, whichever is the greater amount, plus interest on the payment owed. The bill also establishes a penalty for failing to file the annual report required by the department that is equal to 30% of the amount of withholding that should have been reflected in the report or $5,000, whichever is the lesser amount.
Sponsors:
Senate: Steadman
House: Kagan
Recent Actions: 04/05/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/27/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/30/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
Budget Package Bill
HB 10-1319
Position: Monitor
Summary: For the 2010-11 and 2011-12 state fiscal years, eliminates the transfers from the operational account of the severance tax trust fund to the governor's energy office low-income energy assistance fund. Requires the state treasurer to transfer back to the operational account a 2009-10 state fiscal year transfer of $1.625 million that occurred on Jan. 4, 2010, from the operational account of the severance tax trust fund to the department of human services low-income energy assistance fund for providing energy-related assistance to low-income households.
Sponsors:
Senate: Tapia
House: Ferrandino
Recent Actions: 02/18/2010 House Third Reading Passed
02/26/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/18/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Severance Tax Funding for Parks and Recreation
HB 10-1326
Position: Support
Summary: Decreases the authorization to the Colorado oil and gas conservation commission from up to 40% to up to 35% of the account. Increases the authorization to the division of parks and outdoor recreation from up to 5% to up to 10% of the account; and allows the increased appropriation to supplant moneys that would otherwise be available to the parks division. Decreases the 2009 long bill general fund appropriation to the parks division by $2,147,415 and increases its cash fund appropriation by the same amount.
Sponsors:
Senate: Tapia
House: Pommer
Recent Actions: 02/19/2010 House Third Reading Passed
02/26/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/22/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Biogenic Gas Incentives
HB 10-1363
Position: Monitor
Summary: Would allow biogenic (produced by living organisms) methane in geologic strata created by human intervention to be included as a type of biomass within the definition of renewable energy resources. Specifies that the methane use would not involve additional land disturbance within the definition of "clean energy" for purposes of the Colorado clean energy development authority.
Sponsors:
Senate: White
House: Scanlan
Recent Actions: 04/15/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/28/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
Wildlife/Public Lands
Creating a Lifetime State Parks Pass For Seniors.
SB 10-071
Position: Neutral
Summary: The bill creates the aspen leaf lifetime pass, which will cost no more than $150, for state residents exceeding an age set by the board of parks and outdoor recreation for the aspen leaf annual pass. The pass allows its holder entry into state parks and recreation areas for the duration of the holder's lifetime.
Sponsors:
Senate: Morse
House: Riesberg
Recent Actions: 03/03/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed with Amendments
03/25/2010 House Third Reading Passed
05/05/2010 Senate Consideration of House Amendments Repassed
Funding Conservation of Colorado's Natural Resources
SB 10-098
Position: Monitor
Summary: Transfers money in the conservation trust fund to the department of agriculture to fund the natural resource and noxious weed management efforts. Transfers will include $5 million to the conservation district grant fund; and $2.5 million to the noxious weed management fund.The amounts transferred from the conservation trust fund increase if the interest rate on moneys held in the conservation trust fund increases.
Sponsors:
Senate: Tochtrop
House: Sonnenberg
Recent Actions: 03/03/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed with Amendments
03/29/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/29/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Allocation of National Forest Payments
SB 10-209
Position: Support
Summary: Changes how federal funds for national forests are used to fund schools, roads and bridges.
Sponsors:
Senate: Schwartz
House: Vigil
Recent Actions: 05/07/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/11/2010 House Third Reading Passed
Creating the Colorado Kids Outdoors Grant Program for Environmental Education
HB 10-1131
Position: Support
Summary: Creates the Colorado kids outdoors grant program in the department of natural resources to provide grants for programs that allow children to participate in outdoor activities in the state, including but not limited to programs that emphasize the environment and experiential, field-based learning.
Sponsors:
Senate: Gibbs
House: Scanlan
Recent Actions: 03/03/2010 House Third Reading Passed
05/10/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
Sunset Repeal Forestry Advisory Board
HB 10-1223
Position: Monitor
Summary: Implements the recommendations of the department of regulatory agencies in its sunset review of the forestry advisory board within the division of forestry in the department of natural resources by repealing the board.
Sponsors:
Senate: Whitehead
House: Baumgartner
Recent Actions: 02/18/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/09/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/25/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Wildlife Crossing Zones
HB 10-1238
Position: Support
Summary: The bill allows the department of transportation, in consultation with the division of wildlife in the department of natural resources, to establish areas within the public highways of the state as wildlife crossing zones.
Sponsors:
Senate: Schwartz
House: Curry
Recent Actions: 04/14/2010 House Third Reading Passed
05/10/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed with Amendments
Supplemental Appropriation to Dept. of Natural Resources
HB 10-1309
Position: Monitor
Summary: Cuts budget from $212,045,852 to $210,148,483. Mainly from cash funds.
Sponsors:
Senate: Keller
House: Pommer
Recent Actions: 02/18/2010 House Third Reading Passed
02/26/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/10/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Settlement Funding for the Natural Resource Damage Recovery Fund
HB 10-1325
Position: Pending
Summary: Transfers 62.3% of the interest earned on certain settlement moneys in the natural resource damage recovery fund to the hazardous substance response fund on an annual basis until a total of $1,657,577 has been transferred. The bill transfers the remaining 37.7% of the interest earned on such moneys in the natural resource damage recovery fund to the general fund on an annual basis until a total of $1,004,873 has been transferred.
Sponsors:
Senate: White
House: Lambert
Recent Actions: 02/18/2010 House Third Reading Passed
02/26/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/18/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Species Conservation Trust Fund
HB 10-1398
Position: Monitor
Summary: Appropriates money from the species conservation trust fund to conserve native species listed as threatened under state or federal law. Moves money from the fund's capital account to its operation and maintenance for river recovery.
Sponsors:
Senate: Whitehead
House: Fischer
Recent Actions: 04/22/2010 House Third Reading Passed
05/07/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
Other
Organic Certification Act Amendment, Authorizing The Commissioner Of Agriculture To Contract With Independent Organics Inspectors And Altering The Composition Of The Organic Certification Advisory Board
SB 10-038
Position: Monitor
Summary: This bill allows the commissioner of the department of agriculture to contract with qualified independent inspectors to conduct inspections under the act. The bill also authorizes the commissioner to promulgate minimum qualifications for those inspectors. The bill also increases the size of the organic certification advisory board from 9 to 12 members.
Sponsors:
Senate: Hodge
House: Fischer
Recent Actions: 01/28/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/26/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/29/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Repealing Term Limits Applicable To The Environmental Commission Of The Southern Ute Indian Tribe/State Of Colorado Commission
SB 10-082
Position: Monitor
Summary: The bill repeals the term limits applicable to the members of the Southern Ute Indian tribe/state of Colorado environmental commission and repeals a moot condition relating to the repeal of the commission.
Sponsors:
Senate: Whitehead
House: Roberts
Recent Actions: 02/16/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/17/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/29/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Certification of Users of Prescribed Burning Standards
SB 10-102
Position: Monitor
Summary: Directs the Colorado state forest service to establish training and certification standards for users of prescribed fire, including certified burner and noncertified burner designations, recommended processes for certified burners to conduct a prescribed fire, recommended organizational structures for prescribed burn operations, training standards for certified burners, and identification of preexisting fees, permit requirements, liabilities, liability exemptions, and penalties for prescribed burn personnel and landowners.
Sponsors:
Senate: Gibbs
House: Fischer
Recent Actions: 02/22/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/16/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/18/2010 Senate Considered House Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
04/15/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Colorado Open Records Act
SB 10-114
Position: Neutral
Summary: The bill extends the application of the "Colorado Open Records Act" (CORA) to all writings made, maintained, or kept by any entity that receives public moneys or performs a governmental or other public function and that relate to the receipt of the public moneys or the performance of that function.
Sponsors:
Senate: Carroll M.
House: Weissmann
Recent Actions: 02/24/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
05/07/2010 House Third Reading Passed with Amendments
05/11/2010 Senate Considered House Amendments - Result was to Not Concur - Request Conference Committee
05/12/2010 House Consideration of First Conference Committee Report result was to Adopt Committee Report - Not Repass
Temporary Transfer of Public School Land Money
SB 10-150
Position:
Summary: For the 2010-11 state fiscal year, transfers otherwise unallocated funds to the state public school fund, instead of the permanent school fund, monies received for use of public school lands, including timber sales, rentals, mineral extraction and more.
Sponsors:
Senate: Tapia
House: Pommer
Recent Actions: 02/24/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/18/2010 House Third Reading Passed
04/15/2010 Governor Action - Signed
State Measurements for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act
HB 10-1119
Position: Monitor
Summary: Requires the joint budget committee (JBC) to consider any report approved by the office of state planning and budgeting from a department that suggests improved budgetary efficiency or administrative flexibility through line item consolidation in the annual general appropriation act. Requires the JBC to prioritize requests for information in preparing any letter to the governor after passage of the annual general appropriation act.
Sponsors:
Senate: Shaffer B.
House: Ferrandino
Recent Actions: 03/16/2010 House Third Reading Passed
05/03/2010 Senate Third Reading
05/04/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
Increased Transparency in Gifts for State-Funded Programs
HB 10-1178
Position: Pending
Summary: Requires that each state agency that receives grant moneys submit a report to the joint budget committee of the general assembly specifying information about the grant. Includes the source, amount, and duration of the grant and the specific program for which the grant money is intended to be used. The bill requires state agencies to request that grant donors submit a letter including such information to the state agency at the time of making the grant to assist the state agency in tracking and reporting all grants received during a fiscal year. Requires each new bill enacted by the general assembly on or after January 1, 2011, to include a notice of funding requirement if a program, service, study, interim committee, or other function of state government (program) created in the new bill will be funded by grant moneys.
Sponsors:
Senate: Scheffel
House: Stephens
Recent Actions: 02/22/2010 House Third Reading Passed
03/31/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
04/01/2010 House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
04/29/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Supplemental Appropriation to Dept of Agriculture
HB 10-1297
Position: Pending
Summary: Cuts budget from $39,063,248 to $38,793,845. Cuts offset by increased re-appropriations.
Sponsors:
Senate: Keller
House: Pommer
Recent Actions: 02/18/2010 House Third Reading Passed
02/26/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/10/2010 Governor Action - Signed
Dept. of Public Health and Environment Supplemental Bill
HB 10-1311
Position: Monitor
Summary: Dept. of Public Health and Environment Supplemental Bill cuts more than $16.5 million cut from budget. Mainly in cash funds, from $446,325,693 to $429,822,218.
Sponsors:
Senate: Keller
House: Pommer
Recent Actions: 02/18/2010 House Third Reading Passed
02/26/2010 Senate Third Reading Passed
03/10/2010 Governor Action - Signed
