98DA764A96C26B8A87258A6A0063BECF Hearing Summary

Senator Kirkmeyer, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 23B-004, concerning property tax relief, and, in connection therewith, providing temporary property tax reductions for the 2023 property tax year and establishing a temporary task force to make recommendations concerning property taxation.  She discussed property tax relief, backfill mechanisms for local governments, reimbursements, offsets, and reserves.   She also explained the composition of the proposed task force, as outlined in the bill.  

The committee took a short recess for technical issues. 

Senator Kirkmeyer resumed her testimony and explained the fiscal note.  Committee members asked for further explanation about the fiscal note.  Further discussion ensued about TABOR, Proposition HH, and voter intentions.

Additional concerns were raised by committee members about tapping into reserves. 

Kim Monson, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. 

Amie Baca-Oehlert, representing Colorado Education Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Tom Yondorf, representing American Federation of Teachers, Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms Tracy Dorland, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Committee members asked questions about the bill's potential impact on schools. 

Discussion continued about backfill surplus and school districts. 

Ann Terry, representing Special Districts Association of Colorado, testified in an amend position.  She suggested adding another member to the task force and raised concerns about deadlines in the bill. 

Committee members asked questions about task force appointments and the appointment process.

Commissioner Carrie Geitner, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Commissioner Chris Richardson, representing Elbert County, testified in support of the bill.

Kevin Grantham, representing Fremont County, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Tony Gagliardi, representing National Federation of Independent Business, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued about adding a small business representative to the task force. 

Discussion followed about county efforts to decrease property taxes.  Further discussion ensued about the stakeholder process. 

Natalie Menten, representing themself, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Senator Kirkmeyer distributed and explained Amendment L.001 to make technical changes (Attachment A).

Senator Pelton B distributed and explained Amendment L.003 to add members to the proposed task force (Attachment B). 

Senator Kirkmeyer made closing remarks. 

Committee members made statements in support of, or opposition to, the bill.