Speaker McCluskie and Representative McCormick, co-prime sponsors, introduced Senate Bill 26-010. The bill modifies the definitions of farms and ranches used to classify agricultural land for property tax purposes, and specifies ranches are for grazing livestock through pasture-based operations.

The sponsors responded to questions from the committee.  

Brandon Melnikoff, representing Colorado Farm Bureau, testified in support of the bill. Madeline Robertson, representing Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, testified in support of the bill. Brenda Dones, representing Colorado Assessors Association, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Additional written testimony can be found in Attachment A.

David Hansen, Legislative Council Staff, responded to questions regarding the fiscal note. Kyle Hooper, representing Division of Property Taxation, answered committee questions.

The bill sponsors gave closing comments on the bill.