Lawmakers in Colorado are working quickly to correct a bill that unintentionally caused concerns about public health. House Bill 24-1344, which was meant to reauthorize the state plumbing board, inadvertently restricted the ability of nationally certified technicians to inspect and repair backflow devices. This change led to worries about potential risks to the water supply and increased costs for customers.
Colleen Morrison, a backflow testing business owner, raised concerns about the impact of the bill on her business and public health. A petition on Change.org criticized the lack of input from key stakeholders, such as the state health agency and water operators, during the bill’s passage.
In response to these concerns, the state plumbing board announced that enforcement of the law would be put on hold until April 1, 2025, giving the legislature time to address the issue. A proposed fix, House Bill 25-1077, sponsored by Reps. Sheila Lieder and Naquetta Ricks, aims to clarify the scope of licensed plumbing while exempting certified technicians from licensure requirements for inspecting backflow devices.
The bill, which has received bipartisan support, is moving quickly through the legislative process. It passed the business committee unanimously and is on track for final approval in the House. Lawmakers have acknowledged their mistake in passing the 2024 bill and are working to address the unintended consequences to protect public health and ensure the safety of Colorado’s water supply.
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