SB20-024 Summary

• Requires the Colorado Water Conservation Board and Water Resources Review Committee to involve the public and provide opportunities for public comment before adopting any final or significantly amended water resources demand management program.

• Mandates the Committee hold at least one public hearing on the program's scope, fundamental approach, and basic elements in each geographic region associated with basin roundtables before the Board develops the draft program.

• Requires at least one public hearing in each basin roundtable region on the draft program, with the Committee providing summaries of public and Committee feedback to the Board for consideration.

• Makes public hearings on significant amendments optional but allows them in each geographic region if the Committee deems appropriate, with procedures similar to those used for initial adoption of the state water plan.

• Directs the Committee to prepare a list of specific topics for the program by November 1, 2023, and every five years thereafter, with the Board providing recommendations within eight months of receiving the list.