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Gas-stove labeling bill debated; amendment proposed to remove $20,000 penalty for missing label
Summary
House Bill 1161 was before the Senate with committee changes limiting required labels to in-store display models and online displays. Senators debated consumer notification, health research and retailer penalties; an amendment to remove a $20,000 fine for retailers was proposed and under consideration in floor debate.
DENVER — The Colorado Senate debated House Bill 1161 on March 31, a consumer-protection bill that would require labels on gas stove display models or online displays alerting purchasers to health information and linking to public-health resources.
Transportation & Energy Committee amendments narrowed the original requirement so the label would appear on in-store display models or online information at the point of purchase rather than on every unit in a retailer’s inventory, Senator Kipp said on the floor. "Ultimately, you can buy whatever you want. This bill does nothing to preclude you from buying whatever kind of stove you want," Kipp said, describing the measure as an information-provision requirement.
Opponents said the bill appeared to impose an onerous civil penalty on retailers for a missing sticker. Senator Liston offered amendment L013 to remove the $20,000 fine that would attach to retailers if required labeling was not present, calling the penalty excessive for inadvertent mistakes. He argued retailers and staff already counsel consumers about appliance pros and cons and that a large fine for a missing sticker would be out of proportion.
Floor debate included health-impacts references; proponents pointed to studies about indoor gas-appliance emissions and consumer awareness, while opponents questioned the necessity of the penalty and enforcement details. The transcript excerpt records the amendment being offered and debated; the outcome of amendment L013 and any final floor vote on HB 1161 are not shown in the provided excerpt.
Speakers who addressed HB 1161 on the floor included Senator Kipp (sponsor in committee), Senator Liston (offering amendment), Senator Peltner and others representing rural and retail concerns.
