HB24-1266 Summary

• Establishes a statewide framework requiring local governments to negotiate written "clearance letters" with utility companies (with more than 250,000 retail customers) before relocating utility facilities during road improvement projects.

• Requires local governments to notify affected utility companies within 15 days of preliminary design approval and at least 45 days before construction bids, providing project details, timelines, and potential utility conflicts.

• Clearance letters must specify scope of relocation, schedule, performance requirements, traffic management, dispute resolution procedures, and responsibility for damages caused by delays, with exceptions for force majeure, hazardous material discovery, and scope changes.

• Utility companies must acknowledge receipt of notices and perform relocations promptly according to agreed schedules; local governments must accept or reject completed relocations within 14 days or the relocation is deemed accepted.

• Bill applies to utility relocations funded in full or in part by local governments or public money, but excludes projects on state highways under CDOT control and private project relocations; takes effect after 90-day period following legislative adjournment or upon voter approval if referendum petition is filed.