CO HB1337

Amends Colorado Revised Statutes 37-90-115 to limit evidence district courts may consider when reviewing groundwater commission or state engineer decisions on appeal.

Requires district courts to review decisions de novo considering only evidence presented in the original administrative proceeding and included in the record.

Allows district courts to consider evidence that was wrongly excluded from the administrative proceeding if the court determines exclusion was improper.

Brings groundwater appeal procedures into alignment with the State Administrative Procedure Act by preventing parties from introducing new evidence not previously considered by the commission or state engineer.

Effective August 10, 2016, or upon voter approval if a referendum petition is filed, and applies to appeals filed on or after the effective date.