The Colorado Chamber Tax Council and Labor & Employment Council convened to hear from guest speakers, discuss legislation affecting the business community and take positions on bills.
The Tax Council was joined by two guest speakers, Caroline Nutter, legislative coordinator for the Colorado Fiscal Institute (CFI), and Sen. Cathy Kipp, chair of the Colorado Senate Finance Committee. Nutter presented on CFI’s legislative agenda, the effects of H.R. 1 on Colorado’s budget, and fielded questions from the group. Sen. Kipp discussed the bills she expects to see in the Senate Finance Committee and gave updates on how the legislature plans to tackle the budget deficit. The group then discussed legislative updates and took positions on introduced bills.
The Chamber Labor & Employment Council took on a busy agenda, taking positions on two new bills and reviewing changes to introduced and proposed labor legislation. Topics included the proposed changes to the state’s Labor Peace Act, additional requirements for employers, changes to the overtime system and surveillance data usage.
Tax Council Positions:
HB 1004: Support
The bill extends an existing tax credit allowing 50% of a qualified contribution to promote child care an additional ten years to January 2028. The Chamber’s Tax Council voted to support this bill because it continues the valuable support of child care availability, a priority of the Vision 2033 strategic plan.
HB 1014: Support
Under current law, the Colorado Job Growth Incentive Tax Credit is only allowed by the economic development commission to continue through 2026. This legislation allows the commission to extend the tax credit through 2034. The Chamber has supported this tax credit historically and took a “support” position to continue to encourage economic development and job growth in Colorado.
HB 1036: Oppose
This proposal would allow a local government to impose a tax on homes left vacant for a period to be specified by the local taxing authority. The revenue from the vacancy tax is required to be used to fund affordable housing. The Chamber is opposed to this bill because it penalizes lawful property ownership rather than addressing housing supply directly. The bill was defeated in committee on Monday, February 9th by a vote of 7-4.
SB 076: Support
This legislation expands the eligible pathways for a person to become a certified public accountant by allowing additional combinations of education and experience to satisfy requirements by emphasizing workplace experience. The Tax Council voted to support the bill to expand opportunities for those entering the workforce and its alignment with the Chamber’s existing workforce development initiatives.
Labor & Employment Council Positions:
SB 081: Oppose
This bill would lower the number of hours worked for an agricultural employee to become eligible for overtime. The Colorado Chamber Labor and Employment Council voted to oppose this bill because of concerns it would cause reduced hours for employees and an overwhelming increase of costs for employers.
SB 093: Oppose
This legislation would prohibit a local government entity from issuing or renewing a building permit, construction permit or contractor’s license unless the applicant has provided proof that each general contractor and all subcontractors have workers’ compensation insurance. The Chamber opposes the bill because it allows for additional permitting delays on an already burdened system and creates new barriers to improving Colorado’s housing supply.