CO HB1289

Exempts school districts and local governments that own mineral rights on designated open space from forced pooling orders, provided the mineral rights were acquired before the pooling application was filed

Defines "local government" to include counties, cities, municipalities, towns, school districts, local college districts, local improvement and service districts, special districts, and other independent local entities with taxing or assessment authority

Allows exempted entities to continue engaging in voluntary pooling arrangements with other mineral rights owners

Takes effect August 8, 2018, and applies only to pooling orders entered on or after the effective date

Subject to referendum petition; if challenged, requires voter approval at the November 2018 general election to take effect