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House Energy & Environment

Thursday, March 12, 2026·1h 29m·▶ Watch / Listen

The House Energy & Environment Committee killed a private-property notification bill for utility construction (HB 26-1279) on a 10–2 vote before postponing it indefinitely, while laying over a separate bill creating a new class of unregulated 'consumer-regulated electric utilities' (HB 26-1246) at the sponsor's request for further work.

Key Actions

·HB 26-1279 – Utility Construction Notice to Property OwnersFailed

+ 1 more action

Controversies

Whether HB 26-1279 improperly targets routine and emergency maintenance

Representative Ken DeGraaf stated he was 'really disappointed that some of the witnesses brought up that acted like this bill was about routine maintenance when section one is pretty clear' and said he was 'very disappointed in the witnesses trying to sway the committee in that manner.' Andrew Holder of Xcel Energy had argued the bill would impact storm response and routine daily projects.

+ 2 more controversies

Notable Quotes

“This bill is just a bill about being good neighbors as government actors towards our private property owners.”

Representative Stephanie Luck — The sponsor of HB 26-1279 made this statement characterizing the purpose of the bill, which would require utilities to notify private property owners before beginning new construction on their land.

+ 4 more quotes

Votes

Amendment L001 to HB 26-1279 (clarifying bill covers only new construction, not replacement or routine maintenance)Passed
HB 26-1279 to Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation, as amendedFailed
Yes (10)Carlos Barron, Jamie Jackson, Junie Joseph, Amy Paschal, Manny Rutinel, Lesley Smith, Jenny Willford, Dan Woog, Elizabeth Velasco, Alex Valdez
No (2)Ken DeGraaf, Scott Slaugh
Absent (1)Lori Goldstein
Postpone indefinitely (PI) HB 26-1279 — reverse roll callNo Vote
Yes (10)Carlos Barron, Jamie Jackson, Junie Joseph, Amy Paschal, Manny Rutinel, Lesley Smith, Jenny Willford, Dan Woog, Elizabeth Velasco, Alex Valdez
No (2)Ken DeGraaf, Scott Slaugh
Absent (1)Lori Goldstein
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TranscriptPreview
It. Committee will come to order. Ms. Falco, please call the ROL. Representatives Barone. Here. DeGraff. Late. Excused. Goldstein. Late. Excused. Jackson. Here. Joseph. Late and excused. Pascal. Here. Brunell. Late and excused. Slaw. Late and excused. Smith. I am here. Wilford. Here and on time. Like it. Late and excused. Come from Alaska. And Mr. Chair, I'm here. Let's get going. Representative Le. Tell us about 1279. Thank you, Mr. Chair. 1279 is a bill that came out of a conversation I had with a former constituent. So when I first ran for office, I ran for House District 47 and we redistricted and I now serve House District 60. But a former constituent called me up and said, we have a problem. Would you try and help provide a solution? And I think it's worth a solution. So, as you likely know, I represent rural Colorado. And in rural Colorado, we are big on being good neighbors and being considerate. And part of being good neighbors and considerate is just the function of letting people know what you're up to. For instance, every New Year's Day, we have our wagon masters group do a New Year's Day ride…
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