Senate Unanimously Passes Bill to Increase Transparency, Modernize Regulatory Review Processes

DENVER, CO – The Senate unanimously passed bipartisan legislation to improve government transparency and streamline regulations today.

SB26-137, sponsored by Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, would require state departments to review their rules and regulations every five years and would add additional considerations to guide these reviews.

“Rules and regulations are important – they keep our air and water clean, our roads safe, and our families healthy,” said Coleman. “Part of governing responsibly is continually reviewing what regulations are working, where there are gaps, and what we need to update or streamline. This bill would ensure that Colorado agencies review their rules every five years to reduce redundancies and improve effectiveness.” 

Under current law, departments are required to periodically review their rules to determine whether they are still necessary, efficient, and effective. There is no criteria for how regularly this review must happen. 

Also sponsored by Senate Minority Leader Cleave Simpson, R-Alamosa, SB26-137 would add additional considerations during these reviews including: whether redundant rules can be eliminated; whether a rule is outdated or obsolete; whether funding levels are appropriate; and whether the rule can be more effective.

SB26-137 now heads to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.