HB 22-1161

House Bill 22-1161 changes how certain state commissioners are chosen in Colorado. Instead of the governor appointing members for key commissions like insurance, air quality control, oil and gas conservation, and public utilities, voters will elect these commissioners starting January 1, 2024. However, changing how the commissioner of insurance is selected requires a constitutional amendment, which would only take effect if approved by voters. Additionally, elected commissioners must pledge to prioritize energy reliability and reducing costs for consumers when making decisions. This bill has been signed into law but its full implementation depends on voter approval for some parts.

Official Summary

Section 1 of the bill requires the election of the commissioner of insurance. Sections 6 and 7 make conforming amendments.Section 2 repeals and reenacts existing statutes requiring the governor to appoint members of the air quality control commission to require the election of all commissioners. Section 3 requires the election of the voting members of the oil and gas conservation commission.Section 4 requires the election of all members of the public utilities commission, and section 5 makes conforming amendments.Sections 2 through 5 become effective on January 1, 2024. Because the Colorado constitution requires the appointment of the commissioner of insurance, sections 1, 6, and 7 only become effective on January 1, 2024, if, based on the passage of a concurrent resolution and a vote of the people, the governor declares a vote at a general election to change the Colorado constitution to require the election of the commissioner of insurance.Sections 2 and 4 also require that an elected commissioner's oath of office include a commitment to prioritizing energy reliability and reducing consumer costs above all other considerations in making decisions as a commissioner.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)