HB21-1268 Summary

• Directs the University of Colorado, in collaboration with Colorado State University and the Colorado Water Institute, to conduct feasibility studies and pilot deployments of emerging water management technologies.

• Technologies to be investigated include in-situ sensors, water quality monitoring systems, satellite telemetry, aerial observation platforms, satellite-based remote sensing, and blockchain-based documentation of water use and prior appropriation obligations.

• Universities must report findings to the Water Resources Review Committee by July 15, 2022, and upon request thereafter, including recommendations for administrative or legislative action.

• Appropriates $40,000 from the general fund ($20,000 to each university) contingent upon the universities raising at least $40,000 in matching gifts, grants, and donations by June 1, 2022.

• The entire statutory provision sunsets on July 1, 2023, unless matching funds are received, in which case the repeal provision sunsets instead.