The Colorado Chamber’s Regulatory Affairs, Government Affairs and Labor & Employment Councils held their first meetings of the 2025 legislative session this week to discuss key legislation.
The newly formed Regulatory Affairs Council was joined by Aaron Ray, assistant director for energy innovation for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Ray provided an overview of the Energy and Carbon Management Commission’s regulatory agenda, an update on the greenhouse gas reduction roadmap and a summary of DNR’s legislative priorities. The group also outlined the goals and objectives of the new council and discussed upcoming rulemakings in the Air Quality and Water & Waste Divisions.
The Government Affairs Council hosted several speakers from the Governor’s Office, including Eleni Angelides, legislative director; Casey Badmington, deputy legislative director; Xander Martin, deputy legislative director; and Jamie Short, deputy legislative director. They provided insights into the administration’s 2025 legislative priorities, including issues such as the tight state budget, affordable housing, construction defects and labor laws. They also invited feedback on priorities important to the business community. The Colorado Chamber is proud of its strong working relationship with the Governor’s Office and looks forward to continued collaboration, particularly on regulatory reform efforts in Colorado.
Speakers from the Colorado Department of Labor & Employment presented the department’s legislative priorities to the Chamber’s Labor & Employment Council. Executive Director Joe Barela, Deputy Executive Director and Chief Communications Officer Cher Haavind, and FAMLI Compliance and Appeals Branch Manager David Gallivan provided updates on the Labor Peace Act, FAMLI leave, the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund Report and more.
The Colorado Chamber took positions on the following bills:
Government Affairs Council Positions:
SB 02: Support
The bill directs the State Housing Board in the Department of Local Affairs to develop regional building codes for factory-built structures. Once these rules are established, the bill limits the jurisdiction of the state plumbing board, electrical board and fire suppression administrator over factory-built structures. The Colorado Chamber supports measures that expand housing options in Colorado as our state’s cost of living and housing affordability ranks among the most expensive in the nation.
SB 06: Monitor
The bill gives the state treasurer the authority to invest up to $50 million in state funds towards bonds for the creation of affordable housing across the state. It also allows these investments to be made at a below-market interest rate to encourage development. The Chamber is monitoring the legislation to gather more information regarding the impact of the bill.
SB 33: Oppose
The bill prohibits state and local licensing authorities from issuing new liquor-licensed drugstore licenses after its effective date. The Chamber is opposed to the measure as it limits consumer choice and contradicts free market principles that foster economic growth and innovation.
HB 1005: Support
The bill creates two refundable state income tax credits to support Colorado’s film festival industry. The relocation of a global film festival to Colorado would have a significant positive impact on the state’s economy.
HB 1010: Oppose as Introduced
The bill makes price gouging of necessities an unfair and unconscionable act under Colorado’s consumer protection laws, allowing enforcement by the Attorney General or district attorneys. It also expands the definition of necessities to include goods and services necessary for public health, safety and welfare.
The Colorado Chamber understands the intent of the bill but is opposed due to concerns that it is overly broad and far-reaching. The bill applies a blanket rule to complex issues across various industries and certain aspects of its implementation are unclear, potentially leading to unintended consequences.
HB 1090: Oppose as Introduced
The bill requires seller of goods, services or properties to clearly disclose the total price that a person may pay, including all fees and charges. Additionally, restaurants, bars and other food services establishments must describe any mandatory service charges added to a person’s bill. Finally, the bill restricts the kinds of fees that landlords can charge tenants and limits how much fees can increase. The bill makes violating these provisions a deceptive trade practice and subject to a civil action along with other penalties in law.
The Colorado Chamber is opposed to the bill due to the broad scope of industries impacted and the potential for increased legal liability for employers.
Labor & Employment Council Positions:
HB 1001: Amend
The bill revises the definition of “employer” under wage and hour laws and modifies their enforcement. The Chamber would like the bill amended to exclude independent contractors, clarify the specific industries affected and revise the bill’s retaliation provisions.