CO SB295

Creates the Colorado River Drought Task Force with 22 members including state executives, tribal representatives, water conservation districts, and stakeholders appointed by legislative leadership to address drought in the Colorado River basin.

Task force shall provide recommendations by December 15, 2023 for state legislation to develop programs addressing drought and interstate water commitments through demand reduction projects and voluntary, compensated water conservation.

Establishes a sub-task force focused on tribal participation, ensuring recommendations for voluntary, temporary, and compensated tribal involvement in drought management programs that recognize unique tribal water rights.

Requires task force recommendations to avoid disproportionate impacts to any region, comply with the Upper Basin Demand Management Program agreement from May 20, 2019, and evaluate funding sources for participant compensation and administrative costs.

Appropriates $200,000 to the legislative council for fiscal year 2023-24 to implement the task force, which automatically repeals effective July 1, 2024.