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Subcommittee rejects mandate requiring large data centers to dedicate 50% of output to public benefit
Summary
House Bill 14-61, which would have required data centers using over 50 megawatts to allocate 50% of computing output to public-benefit uses and report carbon footprints, failed on a committee vote after members raised legal and economic concerns.
Chairman Clemens introduced HB 14-61, saying the measure would ensure the state benefits from the anticipated proliferation of high‑power data centers by requiring "at least 50% of output provides public benefit" such as education, scientific research or environmental protection.
Committee members raised constitutional and economic concerns. One member said the mandate risked amounting to a taking of private property or intellectual property; Clemens responded that the bill focuses on transparency and accountability rather than seizing property. Members also questioned whether the mandate would impose heavy obligations on private industry and noted that only a few such large facilities currently exist in the state. After debate, the committee recorded 2 ayes and 6 nos and the bill failed in subcommittee.
