CO HB1016

Applies Colorado Code of Judicial Conduct standards to Public Utilities Commission commissioners and administrative law judges in their quasi-judicial capacity.

Allows parties to file motions seeking disqualification of commissioners or administrative law judges for failure to be impartial, with the Commission required to rule within 10 business days.

Permits district courts to stay or suspend PUC proceedings if the Commission declines to disqualify commissioners, without requiring prior application for reconsideration or rehearing.

Requires the PUC director to post ex parte communication memoranda on the Commission's website within 5 business days and eliminates the exemption for discussions on pending legislative proposals from disclosure requirements.

Eliminates the "rule of necessity" doctrine when disqualifications result in loss of quorum, allowing a hearing officer or administrative law judge decision to serve as the Commission's final decision.