As a Senator that represents 10 rural and rural resort counties, I take the responsibility of ensuring that our communities’ unique needs are strongly heard and accounted for in a legislature dominated by metro-area legislators. We’re already making some big impacts this year for rural Colorado. Several of my bills have passed both chambers and will soon be signed into law by the Governor. Many others are being debated now. Here are some highlights of bipartisan bills I’m working on that will be particularly helpful for our rural and mountain communities:
Water Conservation
SB24-005 has already passed and will soon be law, which means that we’ll save more water by preventing the installation of water-guzzling nonfunctional turf grass in new developments. We’ll also be adding support to the very successful turf replacement program that we created two years ago that has already helped save millions of gallons of water in our state.
As we head into the second half of session, we’ll continue pursuing policy that defends Colorado’s water — our most precious resource. This will include implementing the recommendations of the Colorado River Drought Task Force and ensuring that we have proper guardrails to protect our wetlands and the environment that relies on them.
Promoting Agriculture
I’m excited to be sponsoring several pieces of legislation that will preserve and bolster our state’s agriculture economy. SB24-152 will offer tax incentives to local food and beverage retailers that source from local producers practicing regenerative agriculture – farming processes that support topsoil regeneration, biodiversity, and a healthy water cycle. In addition, we’re working on a tax credit for agriculture producers investing in certain stewardship practices to help them save money with HB24-1249.
I am using my role as Chair of the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee to ensure that our ranchers and communities get the answers and support they deserve after the rocky roll-out of the wolf reintroduction and continued wolf depredation on livestock in our region.
We’re also ensuring that appointees to important state boards receive proper scrutiny and are truly ready to serve the interests of the entire state.
Mountain Highway Safety
Safety and efficiency on I-70 and mountain highways is a top concern I hear from constituents.
Commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are disproportionately responsible for crashes and closures.
CMVs represent about 7.4% of traffic but account for more than 52% of incidents recorded by the Department of Transportation in the last five years. That’s why I am working on SB24-100, which will require CMVs to have chains during the winter months, stay out of the left lane in key sections of I-70, and adhere to speed limits in Glenwood Canyon.
Rural Health Care
SB24-168 will bring Colorado in line with federal standards and 28 other states by expanding Medicaid coverage to include remote patient monitoring — a key way to monitor and treat health conditions for those who do not live near a hospital. I’m also excited to be working on SB24-121, which will provide more support to our rural critical access hospitals. And we’re looking forward to increasing provider reimbursement rates as part of our annual state budget, which is particularly impactful for our rural health care providers and facilities.
Rural Jump-Start Renewal
I am working with Representative Meghan Lukens on the first bill the House of Representatives introduced this year, HB24-1001, to re-authorize and improve the successful Rural Jump-Start business incentive program. I worked to significantly expand this program in 2020 and since then, dozens of businesses in Routt, Garfield, and many other counties have been able to take advantage of this crucial assistance. We must continue it.
Landowner Liability
SB25-058 has already passed in both chambers and awaits the Governor’s signature. This bill strengthens liability protections for landowners that open their land to the public for recreation.
This important clarification to the Colorado Recreational Use Statute is absolutely essential to protect and support landowners that voluntarily provide access to their property so recreationists can continue to enjoy the gorgeous landscapes Colorado has to offer.
And so much more
There is more good work being done for our rural needs by the bipartisan Western Slope delegation including efforts to: expand broadband, increase access to mental health resources, address cell phone connectivity, prevent more funeral home tragedy, improve wildfire mitigation and response, support search and rescue programs, and much more.
The 2024 legislative session is moving faster than ever, and I am grateful for every opportunity to connect with constituents as I consider important votes and represent Western Colorado’s interests. I hope to see you at one of my upcoming town hall meetings and you can always contact me directly at [email protected] or 970-846-3054.
Dylan Roberts is the State Senator for Clear Creek, Eagle, Garfield, Gilpin, Grand, Jackson, Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt and Summit Counties.
By DYLAN ROBERTS
State Senate, District 8
