Lobbyist warns Pueblo to watch several state bills that could limit municipal authority
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Summary
Capital Success Group briefed council on multiple state bills affecting municipalities — including House Bill 1147 (home-rule concerns), House Bill 1206, HB1276 (FT A bond/Municipal League bill) and Senate Bill 62 — and urged continued advocacy and possible city letters if bills move to the governor's desk.
A lobbyist for Pueblo’s municipal interests told the City Council that several bills working through the Colorado Legislature could affect the city’s authority and finances.
Gil Romero of Capital Success Group told the council on March 24 that House Bill 1147, scheduled for a Senate committee hearing on March 31, raises “concern on the senate side” because of potential impacts on home-rule cities and because one senator may seek an amendment to exempt one of his municipalities — a move Romero said could prompt many cities to seek similar carve-outs. Romero said parts of the bill that set out penalties are also under discussion and may be amended in the Senate.
Romero also briefed council on other measures: he described the Municipal League’s HB1276 (an FTA bond bill) as “in trouble” and said Representative Clifford’s position could be pivotal; he flagged House Bill 1206 (described in the briefing as the “extreme indifference” bill) and said his team will continue tracking amendments and committee activity. Romero asked the council to consider official outreach if Senate Bill 62 or other bills that reduce local authority reach the governor’s desk.
Councilors asked for follow-up materials and Romero said his group will send a budget synopsis and additional detail on the bills being tracked. The council did not vote or adopt a formal position during the meeting; staff and the lobbyist agreed to deliver more detailed information to council before lawmakers take final action.