The Colorado Office of Policy, Research and Regulatory Reform (COPRRR), part of the Executive Director’s Office at the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA), has released its 2024 sunset reports. These documents have been submitted to the Colorado General Assembly and are now accessible to the public online.
“Sunset reviews keep Colorado on the forefront of regulatory reform,” said Patty Salazar, DORA Executive Director. “We provide the General Assembly with comprehensive and thoughtful recommendations for changes to regulatory and other government programs. Protecting consumers while fostering an inclusive economy and a thriving workforce is now more important than ever.”
This year, COPRRR conducted 16 sunset reviews across various state government programs. The purpose was to find ways to reduce regulatory burdens while maintaining consumer protection. Programs under review included those within DORA as well as in departments such as Public Health and Environment, Public Safety, Human Services, Labor and Employment, Agriculture, and Early Childhood.
“While consumer protection is front and center in all that we do, we also seek to find the balance between protecting the public and eliminating unnecessary regulatory burdens,” said Brian Tobias, Director of COPRRR. “Public participation is vital to the sunset process. When conducting sunset reviews, we strive to include as many interested parties as possible, and we encourage the public to contact us directly to participate in any of our reviews.”
Among this year’s findings:
– Reviews recommended continuing regulation for several professions including dental hygienists, dental therapists, dentists, outfitters, and health care practitioners who treat workers’ compensation injuries.
– Licensure requirements for commodity handlers, community integrated health care service agencies, and farm products dealers were also reviewed; continued regulation was found necessary for public protection.
– The Rural Alcohol and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Program was recommended for continuation due to its role in providing substance abuse prevention services for youth in rural areas as well as detoxification services.
– Other programs recommended for continuation include the HOA Information and Resource Center—which provides information about homeowners’ associations—along with support functions like tracking complaints; the Identity Theft and Financial Fraud Deterrence Act; Fraud Investigators Unit; Motorcycle Operator Safety Training program; and Primary Care Payment Reform Collaborative.
– Some entities were recommended for discontinuation: The Behavioral Health Entity Implementation and Advisory Committee will remain repealed when lawmakers convene next session; it no longer meets. The Commodity Metals Theft Task Force is also suggested for sunset because expertise developed by law enforcement makes it redundant. Similarly, the Title Insurance Commission is proposed for discontinuation after seven years without making recommendations.
Full reports along with future review schedules can be found at coprrr.colorado.gov.
