On Tuesday, January 28th, the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee received updates from the state capitol from Senator Scott, Senator Coram, Representative Rich and Representative Soper. The committee also took action on the following bills:
Chamber Supports:
HB20-1022- Sales And Use Tax Simplification Task Force
Rationale: The bill extends the task force for five years and significantly broadens its scope to include, among other things, an increased focus on use tax. The Chamber supports the ongoing review and attention to streamlining and improving tax practice and policy.
HB20-1023-State Address Data for Sales and Use Tax Collection
Rationale: This bill creates a hold harmless provision for vendors who use the state's GIS database which is on track to come online this summer, and sets out a timeline for the roll-out and rule-making. Businesses that collect and remit taxes should be able to rely on the data provided by the new state sales tax database through the transition and after the GIS system is in place.
HB20-1039- Transparent State Web Portal Search Rules
Rationale: The bill requires a state agency conducting a rule-making to post a notification on a centralized state website and mobile app. Business benefits from greater transparency in this area where decisions could have a big impact on the private sector but may be difficult to find or follow without such notifications.
HB20-1070- Local Government Liable Fracking Ban Oil And Gas Moratorium
Rationale: This bill recognizes the private property rights of mineral owners and compensates owners for the financial loss if they are precluded from accessing resources that belong to them, as the result of a local government’s unconstitutional fracking ban.
SB20-054- Rural Development Grant Program Creation
Rationale: This bill establishes a rural development grant program, awarding grants to early stage rural businesses that are primary employers. These programs are especially important as the Polis administration’s policies continue to cripple the economic drivers of rural communities.
Chamber Opposes:
HB20-1089- Employee Protection Lawful Off-duty Activities
Rationale: This bill would overturn the Colorado Supreme Court's decision in Coats vs Dish Network that ensured employers can maintain a drug-free workplace policy, if they choose to do so or are required to do so under federal law, despite Colorado's legalization of medical and recreational marijuana. This legislation undermines an employer’s ability to create a safe workplace. For some employers, it could cause them to violate federal law.
HB20-1141-Fees Charged To Tenants By Landlords
Rationale: This bill limits and prohibits a number of fees that landlords may place on tenants for a variety services and infractions. The Chamber opposes this bill because it places in statute terms and conditions that are better set by contract between the landlord and tenant.
SB20-038 -Statewide Biodiesel Blend Requirement Diesel Fuel Sales
Rationale: This creates a mandate that all diesel fuel sold in the state from June 1 to September 15 of each year be blended with a minimum of 5% biodiesel. By the year 2023, this minimum will increase to contain at least 10% biodiesel.
If you have a bill you would like the committee to consider, contact darcy@gjchamber.org.
The next legislative video conference will be held on Tuesday, February 11 at 7:00 am, at the Chamber in the FCI Board room. Thank you to videoconference sponsor: James R. Alvillar & Associates.