House passes bill to allow local review of certain fencing projects tied to historic land grant

House Bill 10 23, sponsored by Representative Martinez with Sen. Gonzales and Sen. Simpson listed in the title, passed the House as amended on Feb. 4.

The bill authorizes additional local government review of certain fencing projects and includes provisions intended to protect water, soil and wildlife. Representative Martinez said the measure grew from issues in the San Luis Valley and sought to protect descendants' access and environmental resources related to the Sangre De Cristo land grant of 1845.

An amendment, L006, was offered and described by Representative Soper as removing subjective language (she cited the word "irrational") from the statutory declaration; Martinez accepted the amendment as friendly. The House adopted L006; the clerk announced, "The ayes have it. L006 is passed. Back to the bill." Later the House adopted the bill as amended; the clerk announced, "10 23 as amended pass."

Concerns raised on the floor included private-property rights, local control and animal-disease risk. Representative Sukhla asked about brucellosis, noting that cattle vaccination practices and the presence of buffalo that carry brucellosis in Yellowstone could present a risk if bison and cattle commingle. Martinez told the House that buffalo on the named ranch "are currently" commingling and that he would "look into that" and make adjustments if necessary.

Representative Johnson urged a no vote on private-property grounds, saying the measure pits "private property rights" against local control and contracts/easements.

Process: The bill was amended on the floor with L006 and passed as amended. The transcript records floor statements and the amendment adoption; the record shows the bill advanced to engrossment and third-reading scheduling earlier in the day and later passed as described on final action.