HB 22-1104 Summary

• Establishes the "Powerline Trails Act" to encourage transmission providers to enter into written contracts with public entities and private landowners to construct and maintain recreational trails in electric transmission corridors.

• Requires all transmission providers to develop and distribute informational resources by May 1, 2023, including design best practices, safety requirements, and examples of at least four existing powerline trails, made publicly available on their websites.

• Defines powerline trails as multimodal trails at least 8 feet wide with hard surfaces, used for recreation or commuting without motor vehicles, including walking, bicycling, electric-assisted bicycles, and equestrian activities.

• Requires transmission providers to notify local governments of powerline trail potential when siting new transmission lines extended more than one mile or increasing capacity by more than 10 percent, and mandates coordination with the Division of Parks and Wildlife to minimize impacts on protected species and habitats.

• Exempts transmission providers, public entities, and private landowners from requirements to allow powerline trails or public access, and preserves existing legal protections under Colorado's governmental immunity and premises liability laws.