May 29, 2020

Representation | Legislation | Advocacy

Judge Upholds Polis’s Executive Order on Electronic Signature Gathering

Wednesday night, a district court judge ruled against Colorado Concern and the amicus brief filed by a coalition of organizations, including the Grand Junction Chamber, regarding Polis’s executive order on electronic signature gathering. The order suspends several laws and allows for ballot initiative signatures to be gathered via email and mail. The Chamber firmly believes that this executive order violates the Colorado Constitution, and upholding the order sets a dangerous precedent in the state. Further legal action against this executive order is pending.

To read the ruling, click here.

State Lawmaker Drafts Workers' Comp for COVID-19 Bill

Colorado lawmakers are expected to consider a proposal that would make it easier for employees to receive workers' compensation benefits for COVID-19. As drafted, the legislation would create the presumption that COVID-19 infections are always work-related, for individuals in certain industries. This would then make it the employer’s job to provide clear and convincing evidence that the employee did not contract the virus while on the job, resulting in a significant cost increase for employers.

For more information, click here.

US Chamber PPP Loan Forgiveness Guide

The Treasury Department and Small Business Administration recently released the application and instructions to apply for PPP Loan forgiveness. In response, the U.S. Chamber has created a helpful guide to calculate PPP loan forgiveness amounts, navigate record-keeping requirements, and determine repayment terms on amounts not forgiven.

To access the PPP Loan Forgiveness Guide, click here.

Governmental Affairs Update

On Thursday, May 28th the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee received legislative updates from Senator Ray Scott, Senator Don Coram, Representative Rich and Representative Soper. The committee also took action on the following bills and draft legislation:

Chamber Opposes:

SB20-205 Sick Leave for Employees

Rationale: This bill extends Governor Polis's executive order on paid sick leave through December 31, 2020 and creates a new sick leave mandate beginning January 1, 2021. If passed, this bill will greatly undermine an employer’s ability to create flexible leave options with their employees.

Draft Legislation “ Workers’ Compensation for COVID-19”

Rationale: As drafted, this bill shifts the legal burden of proof onto the employer for WC claims associated with COVID-19. If this bill were to become law, the employer must prove that the worker did not contract the virus at the workplace through a very high legal standard of clear & convincing evidence if they choose to dispute the claim.

Draft Legislation “PFAS Contamination Response Enterprise”

Rationale: This bill adds a $0.05 per gallon fee to jet fuel in order to stand up an enterprise fund to deal with PFA’s. The Chamber strongly believes that now is not the time to increase fees on an industry that is already in free fall.
Along with opposing this draft legislation, the Governmental Affairs Committee also moved to oppose any legislation that increases fees on any industry during this current legislative session.

Draft Legislation “COVID-19 Whistleblower Protection”

Rationale: The Chamber opposes this draft as written because it gives a disgruntled employee the unchecked power to defame an employer and their business.

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