S_FIN_2017A 02/02/2017 Committee Summary

10:37 AM -- SB17-009



The committee was called to order. Senator Crowder, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 17-009, which expands the exemption for business personal property from $7,300 to $21,900 in 2017 and 2018. The exemption is adjusted for inflation every two years. Senator Crowder also discussed amendment L.001 (Attachment A). Committee members received a memorandum prepared by Legislative Council Staff regarding the fiscal impact of amendment L.001 (Attachment B). Larson Silbaugh, Legislative Council Staff, came to the table to discuss the memorandum. Mr. Silbaugh responded to a committee question regarding the revised fiscal impact.



17SenateFin0202AttachA.pdf 17SenateFin0202AttachB.pdf



10:47 AM -- Gini Pingenot, representing Colorado Counties Inc., testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Pingenot responded to a committee question regarding business personal property tax rebates in individual counties.



10:53 AM -- Richard Orf, representing the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.



10:54 AM -- Michael Valdez, representing the Special District Association, testified in opposition to the bill.





















10:57 AM -- Diane Criswell, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in opposition to the bill. Discussion ensued on the impact of business personal property tax on small businesses.



11:05 AM -- Patrick Boyle, representing the Colorado Competitive Council, testified in support of the bill.



11:10 AM -- Tony Gagliardi, representing the National Federation of Independent Business, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued on the fiscal impact of the bill.



11:18 AM -- Ali Mickelson, representing the Colorado Fiscal Institute, testified in opposition to the bill. Discussion ensued on the impact of the bill on school districts.





11:24 AM



Senator Crowder wrapped up his presentation of the bill.

11:32 AM -- SB17-038



Senator Todd, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 17-038, which prohibits practicing, advertising, or representing oneself as a home inspector without first registering with the Division of Professions and Occupations in the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA). A home inspector is defined as someone who conducts a limited visual survey of the components of a residential building, including heating, cooling, plumbing, electrical, and structural systems, as well as the foundation and roof. The definition does not include HVAC technicians, roofing contractors, government code inspectors, industrial hygienists, or anyone registered, certified, or licensed by the state.



11:36 AM -- Jay Hicks, representing the American Society of Home Inspectors and the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors, testified in opposition to the bill.



11:40 AM -- Ginny Brown, representing DORA, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued on a recent sunset recommendation regarding the regulation of home inspectors.



11:46 AM -- Ted Leighty, representing the Colorado Association of Realtors, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued on the current practice regarding home inspections in Colorado.



11:53 AM -- Ed Hardey, representing the Colorado Association of Realtors, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued on the buyer's role in selecting a home inspector during a real estate transaction.





12:02 PM



The bill was laid over to a future date.























12:02 PM -- SB17-113



Senator Neville, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 17-113, which places a cap on employers' total contribution rates to the Colorado Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA). The cap for each division is equivalent to the 2018 calendar year rates under current law.



12:06 PM -- Walker Stapleton, State Treasurer, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued on the current caps on PERA employers' contribution rates.



12:15 PM -- Lynea Hansen, representing Secure PERA, testified in opposition to the bill. Discussion ensued on the changes made to PERA under Senate Bill 10-001 and other potential changes to the contribution rates made to PERA.



12:23 PM -- Joshua Sharf, representing the Independence Institute, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Sharf discussed PERA expenditure data for school districts (Attachment C). Committee discussion ensued.



17SenateFin0202AttachC.pdf



12:33 PM



Senator Neville wrapped up his presentation of the bill.

12:42 PM



The committee adjourned.