Rep. Ty Winter

Section 1 of the bill requires the director of the Colorado energy office or the director's designee (director) to conduct or cause to be conducted a study on the feasibility of using small modular nuclear reactors as a carbon-free energy source in the state (feasibility study). On or before July 1, 2025, the director is required to submit the director's findings and conclusions of the feasibility study to the legislative committees with jurisdiction over energy matters. Current law defines recycled energy for purposes of the renewable energy standard as energy produced by a generation unit with a nameplate capacity of not more than 15 megawatts. For pumped hydroelectricity generation only, section 2 specifies that the energy be produced by a generation unit with a nameplate capacity of not more than 400 megawatts.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

The bill requires the state treasurer to transfer 60% of the severance taxes paid by an entity that are attributable to the developing, processing, or energy conversion of minerals and mineral fuels subject to taxation in a county in a given tax year to that same county. A county that receives a transfer in accordance with the bill shall use the transferred funds for building or improving roads, schools, or local infrastructure.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

The bill prohibits a state agency, local government, or common interest community from limiting or prohibiting the use of natural gas, propane, solar photovoltaics, micro wind turbines, or micro hydroelectricity for generating electricity, cooking, heating water, or heating or cooling spaces in residences, units, or businesses. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)

The bill extends the right to use deadly physical force against an intruder under certain conditions to include owners, managers, and employees of a business and to any person in lawful possession of a firearm at a place of business. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)