HB22-1148 Summary

• Colorado water conservation board must establish one or more remote wildfire camera technology pilot programs in the wildland-urban interface by April 1, 2023.

• Board shall acquire or contract for pan-tilt-zoom camera systems to detect, locate, and confirm fire ignition, monitor fire behavior through containment, and provide situational awareness for evacuation and response activities.

• Board must consult with state and federal agencies and fire service stakeholders to determine camera system locations and operations, with state and local government agencies required to provide information, assistance, and site access.

• Board must report annually to the wildfire matters review committee beginning August 1, 2023, analyzing camera system effectiveness, value in wildfire response, potential for statewide expansion, and cost effectiveness.

• $2,000,000 appropriated from the general fund for the 2022-23 fiscal year; pilot program is scheduled for repeal effective September 1, 2026, with review required before that date.