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Bill

HB 1187

Sunset Fire Suppression Programs

2026 Regular Session

Colorado bill establishes automatic expiration dates for fire suppression programs unless legislatively reauthorized, requiring periodic review of wildfire prevention funding and operations.

Governor Signed
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Bill Summary · HB 1187

Legislative bill overview

HB 1187 establishes sunset provisions for Colorado's fire suppression programs, requiring them to undergo periodic review and reauthorization or automatically expire. The bill sets specific termination dates for designated fire suppression initiatives, necessitating legislative action to continue their funding and operations.

Why is this important

Sunset clauses force periodic reassessment of government programs' effectiveness and necessity, preventing indefinite spending on potentially outdated initiatives. For Colorado, this is particularly relevant given the state's escalating wildfire challenges and the need to ensure fire suppression resources are allocated efficiently and based on current evidence.

Potential points of contention

  • Program continuity concerns: Automatic expiration could disrupt ongoing fire suppression efforts if reauthorization is delayed or fails, potentially leaving gaps in wildfire prevention during critical seasons
  • Fiscal uncertainty: Agencies and contractors may struggle with long-term planning when program funding has built-in expiration dates, potentially increasing operational costs
  • Which programs are affected: The scope of which specific fire suppression programs sunset is crucial—broad application could affect emergency response capabilities, while narrow application may reduce meaningful oversight

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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