S_FIN_2022A 04/27/2022 01:34:12 PM Committee Summary

Sen. Pettersen introduced House Bill 22-1014. This bill creates the Epilepsy Awareness special license plate.

Ms. Elizabeth Kniffen, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms Kassie Spafford, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Marcee Aude, representing the Epilepsy Foundation of Colorado & Wyoming, testified in support of the bill.

Sens. Moreno and Smallwood introduced Senate Bill 22-219. The bill requires the Department of Regulatory Agencies to regulate dental therapists.

Mr. Stuart Jenkins, representing Healthier Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Sens. Hansen and Rankin introduced Senate Bill 22-220. This bill relocates administration of the existing state property tax deferral program from county governments to the State Treasury, and allows the Treasurer to contract with a third party administrator to administer the program.

Treasurer Dave Young, representing the Department of Treasury, testified in support of the bill. Former Rep. Paul Weissmann, representing himself, was available to answer committee questions.

Discussion ensued with the witnesses.

Sen. Ginal introduced House Bill 22-1235. This bill continues the Colorado Veterinary Practice Act, which is scheduled to repeal on September 1, 2022. Changes to the act include establishing the regulation of veterinary technicians.

Committee discussion ensued with the witnesses.

Sens. Bridges and Woodward introduced House Bill 22-1310. The bill defines expenditures from a 529 account for certain apprenticeship programs as an eligible distribution, and therefore not subject to tax recapture under state law.

Mr. Greg Sobetski, Legislative Council Staff, came to the table answer questions on the bill's fiscal note.

Ms. Fofi Mendez, representing the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Mike Blake, representing CollegeInvest, testified in support of the bill.

Sens. Zenzinger and Woodward introduced House Bill 22-1320. The bill modifies the administration and operation of accounts under the Achieving a Better Life Experience savings program.

Ms. Fofi Mendez, representing the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Mike Keglovits, representing CollegeInvest, testified in support of the bill.

Sens. Donovan and Simpson introduced House Bill 22-1301. Beginning with property tax year 2023, this bill defines a controlled environmental agricultural (CEA) facility as a nonresidential structure and related equipment combining engineering, horticultural science, and computerized management techniques to optimize hydroponics, plant quality and food production efficiency from the land’s water for human or livestock consumption.

Written testimony may be found in Attachment C.

Committee discussion ensued with the sponsors.

Mr. Keith Erffmeyer, representing the Colorado Assessors Association, testified in a neutral position on the bill. Mr. Ken Hood, representing the Colorado Assessors Association, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Former Sen. Gail Schwartz, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. David Myler, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Andrew Massey, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Austin Vincent, representing the Colorado Farm Bureau, testified in support of the bill.

The committee took a brief recess.

The committee came back to order.

Sens. Buckner and Kirkmeyer introduced House Bill 22-1010. The bill creates a refundable income tax credit for eligible early childhood educators.

The sponsors gave some closing remarks.

Senator Kolker introduced House Bill 22-1360. The bill allows the state to retain a percentage of federal child support incentives received.

Mr. Larry Desbien, representing the Colorado Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Joe Huter, representing Division of Child Support Services, was available to answer committee questions. Mrs. Susie Gager, representing Division of Child Support Services, was available to answer committee questions.

Written testimony may be found in Attachment F.