In preparation for the 2026 session, the Colorado Chamber’s Tax Council and Energy and Environment Council met to hear from key state officials and receive updates on what to expect in the coming months.
Last Friday, the Tax Council heard from guest speakers from the Colorado Department of Revenue, including Brendon Reese, senior director, Taxation Division; Josh Pens, director of tax policy; and Manny Santistevan, deputy legislative liaison. The speakers discussed the department’s legislative agenda and answered questions from the group. Members of the council then received updates from Chamber staff on what to expect in the upcoming session, including several pieces of legislation that will significantly complicate Colorado’s tax system. As the session begins, staff will get feedback from council members as legislation is introduced.
The Colorado Chamber Energy and Environment Council met Wednesday and was joined by Julie Murphy, director of the Energy and Carbon Management Commission, who provided updates on the commission’s growth and legislative agenda. Council members then heard updates on upcoming legislation from Chamber staff, asked questions and provided feedback. Issues included proposed bills involving energy planning, regulatory changes and environmental regulations. The meeting concluded with Dave Kulmann, regulatory adviser for the Colorado Chamber, providing a regulatory update on Air Quality Control Commission rulemakings.