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HB 25-1292

Transmission Lines in State Highway Rights-of-Way

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Judy Amabile and 20 co-sponsors

Authorizes placing electric transmission lines in state highway rights-of-way, with permit, safety, compensation, and coordination rules to support grid expansion.

Governor Signed
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Bill Summary · HB 25-1292

Summary — HB 25-1292: Transmission Lines in State Highway Rights-of-Way

Bill number: HB 25-1292
Title: Transmission Lines in State Highway Rights-of-Way
Status: Governor signed (2025-05-09)
Introduced: March 3, 2025
Sponsors: Rep. Junie Joseph; Rep. Faith Winter; Rep. Andrew Boesenecker; multiple cosponsors listed

Overview / Purpose

The bill’s title indicates it addresses the placement, use, or management of electric transmission lines within state highway rights-of-way (ROW). The legislative record shows the bill passed both chambers and was signed by the Governor on May 9, 2025. The stated purpose is not included in the materials provided here; readers should consult the bill text for precise legislative intent and definitions.

Legislative history (key dates)

  • Introduced in House: 2025-03-03 (assigned to Transportation, Housing & Local Government)
  • Passed House (third reading): 2025-04-30
  • Considered and amended in Senate committees (Transportation & Energy; Appropriations): early May 2025
  • Final concurrence and enrollment: 2025-05-07–05-08
  • Governor signed: 2025-05-09

Likely key provisions (based on bill title and common legislative practice)

Because the bill text is not provided here, the following items describe the types of provisions typically found in legislation addressing transmission in highway ROW. Confirm specifics in the enacted text.

  • Authorization language permitting placement of electric transmission lines or associated infrastructure within state highway ROW under defined conditions.
  • Process and agency roles: establishes which state agency (likely the department of transportation) may enter agreements or issue permits, and sets required coordination with utilities and energy regulators.
  • Terms of use: standards for design, construction, maintenance, and safety (clearances, access, traffic control during construction).
  • Compensation, fees, or reimbursement provisions for use of ROW and for relocation/impact mitigation.
  • Environmental and cultural resource review requirements and mitigation responsibilities.
  • Liability, insurance, and indemnification requirements for utilities or third parties.
  • Limitations or prohibitions (e.g., on interfering with highway operations, scenic corridors, or certain classes of highways).
  • Process for public notice, local government coordination, or appeals.

Who would be affected

  • State transportation agency (management of highway ROW).
  • Electric utilities, transmission developers, and independent transmission companies seeking ROW access.
  • Local governments and counties where highways traverse.
  • Property owners adjacent to highway ROW and general public (visual, environmental, safety impacts).
  • Energy consumers indirectly (if transmission development affects costs or enables new generation).

Potential impacts

  • Could expedite or clarify siting of transmission lines needed for grid expansion and renewable energy integration.
  • May shift costs or impose new obligations on utilities or on the state (depending on compensation/maintenance language).
  • Raises considerations for highway safety, maintenance, environmental protections, and community impacts.

Next steps / Where to find the full text

This summary is based on bill metadata and title only. For precise provisions, effective date, fiscal impact, and operative language, consult the enrolled bill text and fiscal/legal analyses on the Colorado General Assembly website: search “HB25-1292 Colorado General Assembly” or view the bill packet and fiscal note posted after enrollment.

If you’d like, I can retrieve and summarize the actual bill text and fiscal note (if you provide the text or allow me to fetch it).

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

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