HB 14-1351 Summary

• Adds new statute 24-48.5-123 requiring the Colorado Office of Economic Development to support the defense sector and maintain positive interactions with the U.S. Armed Forces.

• Declares the defense sector generates over $10 billion annually in Colorado's economy, with U.S. military presence directly responsible for the majority of that economic activity.

• Tasks the office with advocating for Colorado's involvement in current and potential military missions, supporting private Colorado businesses bidding for armed forces contracts, and assisting the state's congressional delegation in protecting Colorado's military commands from base realignments or closures.

• Establishes that the defense sector is disproportionately impacted by federal decisions and faces increased competition from other states, making state-level support necessary.

• Signed into law by Governor John W. Hickenlooper.