5912D9142C22BD8A8725826500769101 Hearing Summary

Representative Leonard and Representative Humphrey, co-prime bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 18-070. The bill creates a property tax exemption for property that is leased and used solely for religious purposes.

Representative Leonard answered questions from the committee.

JoAnn Groff and Stan Gueldenzopf, Department of Local Affairs, answered questions from the committee.

Committee discussion with Ms. Groff ensued.

Pedro Gonzalez, representing himself, testified in support of the bill with the assistance of Rigoberto Mendez, who interperted for Mr. Gonzalez.

Barry Arrington, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Elizabeth Cheever, Colorado Fiscal Institute, testified in opposition to the bill. She answered questions from the committee.

Jeff Hunt, Colorado Christian University, testified in support of the bill.

Gini Pingenot, Colorado Counties, Inc., testified in opposition to the bill. She stated that the Special District Association of Colorado and Colorado State Fire Chiefs also oppose the bill.

Preston Branaugh, Timber Ridge Church, testified in support of the bill. He provided two handouts to the committee [Attachments D and E]. Mr. Branaugh answered questions from the committee.

Tom Mathews, International Council of Shopping Centers, testified in support of the bill.

Phil Ross, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Rigoberto Mendez, representing himself, read testimony from Hector Rosell and Carlos Chacon in support of the bill.

Jenna Ellis, Colorado Family Action, testified in support of the bill. She answered questions from the committee.

Representative Leonard and Representative Humphrey made concluding remarks. Committee members made comments regarding the bill.