Senate Bill 141, which exempts certain municipalities from a statutory requirement to adopt a residential energy code, cleared second reading in the Colorado State Senate after brief floor remarks by the sponsor.

Senator Peltner, the bill’s floor sponsor, told the Senate the measure stemmed from a “small rural development group in a town of 250” that builds homes for resale to teachers, ranch workers and other local buyers. “Some of these new energy codes are adding over $20 a square foot to their homes,” Peltner said, and he argued that the higher per‑square‑foot costs could reduce the number of homes that local builders could afford to produce and resell.

After the sponsor’s remarks there was no further debate and the Senate adopted SB 141 on second reading. The committee of the whole later reported the bill passed second reading and ordered it engrossed, placing it on the calendar for third reading and final passage.

Supporters framed the bill as relief for very small, rural developers who face higher marginal construction costs from tighter energy standards. Opponents did not prevail on the floor during the March 5 proceeding. The bill now moves toward final passage on third reading.

No fiscal figures or a narrow statutory crosswalk were provided during floor remarks; senators debated the bill’s local impacts and noted that municipalities already acquire lands and manage parks under existing law.