House passes bill allowing metro and special fire districts to run vegetative fuel‑mitigation programs, with limits and public‑hearing requirements

The Colorado House on Feb. 6 passed House Bill 10‑09, a measure that allows metropolitan and special fire districts that provide fire protection services to implement vegetative fuel‑mitigation programs intended to reduce wildfire risk.

Sponsor Representative Morrow said the bill gives local fire districts another tool to address wildfire threats as fire seasons lengthen. Committee amendments adopted during floor consideration exempt nonprofit‑owned land leased for agricultural purposes, removed the term “dry” from the definition of vegetative fuels, clarified that multiple incidents cannot be issued simultaneously for a single property, required certified‑mail notification to owners and occupiers, and specified that liens placed under the program may not be used to foreclose on property or supersede prior liens. The package also requires districts to designate an individual to manage the program and permits districts to waive or delay enforcement for weather, contractor delays or good‑faith efforts.

Opponents and some members raised concerns about potential impacts in rural communities and the burden on volunteer fire departments, overlapping district jurisdictions, and whether counties —rather than special districts—should handle enforcement. Representative Sukhla, a former volunteer firefighter, warned that volunteers could be forced into contentious enforcement roles with neighbors. Representative Joseph moved a technical amendment to make clear metro districts that provide fire protection services are included; that amendment was adopted. A motion that would have required a ballot referral for district participation in the program failed on the floor.

After committee and floor amendments and debate, the House adopted the bill and the Clerk announced passage. The transcript shows multiple members from rural districts pressing for local control and for safeguards so landowners would not lose property due to program liens. The adopted committee report and floor amendments stress public hearing requirements and non‑foreclosure language for liens.