The committee took a brief recess.

The committee returned to order. Representatives Marshall and Soper, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 25-1037. The bill creates an income tax credit for tax years 2025 and 2026 for qualified licensed teachers who teach in public schools. The sponsors distributed two handouts (Attachment D and Attachment E). The were also provided with amendment L.001 (Attachment F).

Members of the committee discussed the bill and fiscal note with the bill sponsors.

Louis Pino, representing Legislative Council Staff, came to the table to respond to questions about the fiscal note.

Brenna Minkler, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Keeler Spear, representing the Colorado Gifted and Talented Student Board, testified in support of the bill. Adam Bellomo, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Kallie Leyba, representing the American Federation of Teachers Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Jessica Capsel, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Gabriela Fox, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ty Barwick, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Isaiah Girard, representing the Colorado Gifted and Talented Student Board, testified in support of the bill. Liz Waddick, representing the Colorado Education Association, testified in support of the bill. Erin Kane, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. The panel of witnesses responded to questions from the committee.

Autumn Brooks, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Dawn Fritz, representing Colorado PTA, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Brittany Vessely, representing the Colorado Catholic Conference, testified to amend the bill. Angelica Prisciliano, representing the Colorado Statewide Parent Coalition, testified in support of the bill.