House Bill 22-1322 Summary

• Expands the definition of "agency" under Colorado's disproportionately impacted communities statute to include the Water Quality Control Commission, effective July 1, 2023, with certain rule-making requirements applying immediately to South Platte River Basin, Laramie River Basin, Republican River Basin, and Smoky Hill River Basin proceedings.

• Changes use-protected waters designation language from "shall be" to "are" and requires the Water Quality Control Commission to utilize criteria promulgated by rule when designating waters as use-protected.

• Establishes a five-year statute of limitations for enforcement actions brought by the Division of Administration alleging violations of the Colorado Water Quality Control Act, measured from the date the alleged violation is discovered or should have been discovered through reasonable diligence.

• Applies the statute of limitations provision to all actions or proceedings commenced on or after the bill's effective date.

• Declares the act necessary for the immediate preservation of public peace, health, or safety under the safety clause.