From the Sterling Journal-Advocate (Marianne Goodland):
[HB13-1013: Protect Water Right Ownership Rights], which is sponsored by Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Sterling), passed the committee unanimously, but not without a little last-minute wrangling during the Feb. 4 hearing. Rep. Mike McLachlan (D-Durango) announced during the hearing he intended to amend the bill to limit the impact to ski areas because he said the bill was too broad.
The issue was brought to the Legislature by the ski industry, but during a Jan. 28 hearing, attorney Glenn Porzak told the committee that the Forest Service had issued similar directives on water rights for ranchers and other agricultural users who lease federal lands for grazing.
McLachlan eventually decided not to add the amendment and HB 1013 is now awaiting action from the House Appropriations Committee. A companion measure, House Joint Resolution 13-1004, passed the full House on Feb. 1 and is headed to the Senate. Sonnenberg also won House support this week for HB 1034, which would allow commodities warehouses and elevators to issue electronic receipts that could be shared with banks and other financial institutions. HB 1034 passed the House 64-0 on Feb. 4, and is now in the Senate.
More 2013 Colorado legislation coverage here.