HB 23-1148

House Bill 23-1148, now signed into law, restricts Colorado’s executive agencies from changing or creating new rules on the same topic for three years after a rule is adopted, starting September 1, 2023. However, there are exceptions for rules required by state or federal laws, those deemed crucial for public safety, and temporary emergency rules that last less than four months. This law affects how agencies can update their regulations but allows flexibility in certain critical situations. Since it has been signed, the bill is now an active law that agencies must follow starting September 1, 2023.

Official Summary

The bill prohibits an executive rule-making agency, on or after September 1, 2023, from amending an existing rule or adopting a new rule concerning the same subject matter as the existing rule for the 3 years following the existing rule's adoption. The following rules are exempt from the 3-year prohibition period: Rules required by state statute, federal statute, or federal regulation; Rules that the rule-making agency determines are imperatively necessary for the preservation of public health, safety, or welfare and for which compliance with the 3-year prohibition would be contrary to the public interest; Rules adopted as temporary or emergency rules, which remain effective for 120 days or less; and Rules that a member of the regulated community petitions to be amended and for which the rule-making agency grants the petition.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)