Senate panel approves requirement that gas stoves display point‑of‑sale health information

The Colorado Senate Transportation and Energy Committee voted to send House Bill 25‑1161 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation after adopting a strike‑below that narrows an earlier labeling requirement to the point of sale.

The amended measure requires retailers to place a conspicuous yellow adhesive label on display gas stoves in stores — and to include an equivalent notice on a website when the stove is sold online — that directs consumers to information about indoor air quality implications. The committee approved the amendment and then the bill on voice and roll calls; the final committee vote on the bill was 6‑3 in favor.

The bill’s sponsor, Senator Sarah Kipp, told the committee the strike‑below limits the requirement to the point of sale and that the measure is intended to give consumers information they do not now routinely receive. "You are going to see a message that says, understand the air quality implications," Kipp said during opening remarks. She and co‑sponsor Senator Katie Wallace framed the proposal as a voluntary information disclosure, not a ban on gas appliances.

Health and environmental groups testified in support. Jan Rose of the Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate showed the committee examples of product warnings and urged labeling at point of sale so customers can find information via a QR code. "An informed customer is an aware customer," Rose said. Witnesses cited studies and reports that associate gas cooking with indoor nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter and other pollutants; several witnesses urged bilingual labeling (English and Spanish) to protect vulnerable households.

Retail and manufacturing groups testified in opposition or in monitor status, saying existing safety standards and building codes already require appropriate ventilation and that singling out gas stoves could confuse consumers. Jacob Cassidy of the Colorado Retail Council said the penalty language in the strike‑below — which references the state’s deceptive trade practices framework — could expose retailers to heavy fines. "Based on the recent strike below amendments, it appears that anyone who would sell a new stove... I would simply assume that if I am selling a gas stove in the state of Colorado, I am liable for up to $20,000 per violation," Cassidy said.

Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers counsel Jacob Casty and others argued that all cooking produces fine particulates and that focusing on one fuel could mislead customers. Witnesses pointed to a recent U.S. Government Accountability Office review and to outcomes in other states; they noted California’s governor vetoed similar legislation.

Committee members asked several enforcement and scope questions: whether used stoves or trade‑ins would be covered, how the statute would treat a removed or vandalized display label, and whether $20,000 per‑day penalties would be enforced against stores for good‑faith, short‑term losses of a display label. Sponsors said the amendment authors intend a good‑faith enforcement standard and that the label is meant to remain at point of sale (not to be required on units after installation). Senator Kipp said she and sponsors will work with CDPHE and stakeholders on implementation details.

The committee also adopted a specific amendment clarifying the rule applies to display models at the point of sale (physical display models or website listings) rather than mandating adhesive labels on every unit delivered to a home. That amendment passed on a recorded vote, 6‑3.

The committee record shows the final motion to move House Bill 25‑1161 as amended to the Committee of the Whole was made by Senator Cutter and carried on the committee roll call. The bill now heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

Votes at the committee: amendment (point‑of‑sale label) passed 6‑3; final committee recommendation passed 6‑3.

The bill text as amended directs retailers to provide clear, point‑of‑sale notice and offers the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment as a resource for consumers; it does not ban gas stoves and does not require labels remain in a customer’s home after purchase.