CDF81DA5DFA179C38725826A006E7A9B Hearing Summary

Representative Thurlow, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 18-1201, which refers a measure to voters that would exempt severance taxes from the state's constitutional revenue and spending limit starting in FY 2019-20. If approved by voters, severance taxes would be exempt from the state revenue limit as long as severance tax credits or exemptions are not reduced and the severance tax distribution to local governments is not decreased. Committee members received a fact sheet about the bill, prepared by the Colorado Municipal Leagure [Attachment A].

Representative Thurlow responded to questions from the committee. Mr. Ed DeCecco, Office of Legislative Legal Services, and Mr. Larson Silbaugh, Legislative Council Staff, also responded to committee questions.

Representative Thurlow distributed and explained amendment L.002 [Attachment B]. He also responded to committee questions.

Mr. Kevin Bommer, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill and responded to committee questions.

Mr. Bommer continued to respond to committee questions.

Mr. Thomas Muldoon, representing himself as a student from the University of Colorado at Boulder, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Dianna Orf, representing the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Zane Kessler, representing Colorado River Water Conservation District, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Chris Stiffler, representing the Colorado Fiscal Institute, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Thurlow made closing remarks on the bill.  Members of the committee commented on the merits of the bill.  Mr. DeCecco returned to the table to answer a question about amendment L.002.