HB 16-1046 Summary

• Allows emergency response authorities to maintain hazardous substance response capabilities through agreements with private entities, in addition to direct provision or mutual aid arrangements.

• Requires governing bodies of towns, cities, and counties to annually report their designated emergency response authority designations to the Colorado State Patrol's Hazardous Materials Section.

• Expands reimbursement rights to include private entities that provide emergency response services under agreement with designated authorities, including the value of their services regardless of whether they receive direct payment.

• Allows private entities to assist fire departments or designated authorities in pursuing reimbursement claims for costs, but requires the department or authority to approve such claims.

• Clarifies that hazardous substance listing requirements do not apply to substances in typical consumer-sized packaging or those used by farmers or ranchers at active agricultural production facilities.