H_FIN_2021A 01/13/2021 04:50:50 PM Committee Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representatives Snyder and Soper, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 21-1004, concerning... Representative Snyder explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Soper provided additional input on the bill. Representative Soper responded to questions regarding what constitutes an electromagnetic will. Discussion ensued regarding opposition to the bill, and the functioning of electronic wills.

Representative Snyder responded to questions regarding the ability of local governments to process wills under HB 21-1004. Discussion ensued regarding the potential for fraud or distress issues to present themselves under the bill.

The following persons testified regarding HB 21-1004:

Stan Kent, representing the Colorado Bar Association, testified in support of the bill.

Letty Maxfield, representing the Colorado Bar Association, testified in support of the bill.

Kathleen Johnson, representing Sherman and Howard, LLC, testified in support of the bill.

No amendments were offered to HB 21-1004. The bill sponsor provided closing remarks on the merits of the bill. Representative Sandridge discussed the merits of the bill.

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representatives Weissman and Sirota, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 21-1004, concerning... Representative Weissman explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Sirote provided additional input on the bill. Representative Weissman responded to questions regarding the interaction between HB 21-1004 and legislation from 2020, and the fiscal impact of the bill.

Greg Sobetski, Legislative Council Staff, addressed questions raised about the fiscal note for HB 21-1002, and provided context with respect to the bill and HB 20-1420. Mr. Sobetski responded to questions regarding the projected revenue for these two bills.

The following person testified regarding HB 21-1002:

Josh Pens, representing the Department of Revenue, testified on the bill from a neutral position. He addressed questions raised during earlier discussion, and discussed a departmental rule change that impacts the bill. Mr. Sobetski returned to address questions about this rule. Representative Sirota provided input on the discussion. Mr. Sobetski responded to questions regarding the continuation of revenue raising by HB 20-1420 if HB 21-1002 were to pass. Discussion ensued regarding the overall tax impact HB 21-1002.

Representative Weissman explained the effect of amendments L.001 (Attachment A) and L.002 (Attachment B).

Discussion continued regarding amendment L.002.

The bill sponsors provided closing remarks in support of HB 21-1002. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.