HB 22-1151 Summary

• Creates a state turf replacement program administered by the Colorado Water Conservation Board to incentivize voluntary replacement of irrigated turf with water-wise landscapes on residential and commercial properties.

• Establishes the Turf Replacement Fund with an initial $2,000,000 appropriation for the 2022-23 fiscal year, with funding available through state appropriations, federal grants, and private donations.

• Provides grants to eligible entities (local governments, districts, Native American tribes, nonprofits) that match state funds up to 50% of direct and indirect program costs, with implementation required by July 1, 2023.

• Board may contract with third-party administrators to operate turf replacement programs in areas without existing local programs, with requirements to use native and drought-tolerant plants and prohibit replacement with concrete, artificial turf, fountains, invasive species, or new turf.

• Restricts fund use to water-wise landscaping improvements, prohibiting impermeable concrete, artificial turf, water features, and invasive plants; encourages participants to update irrigation systems and create defensible space to reduce wildfire risk.