H_FIN_2023A 04/03/2023 02:33:41 PM Committee Summary

Speaker McCluskie and Representative Willford, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 23-1228. The bill makes several changes to the Medicaid nursing facility core per diem reimbursement rates and the Medicaid nursing facility supplemental payments. It also requires an independent accountant to annually audit facilities’ financial statements. It repeals the requirement that the Colorado Department of Healthcare Policy and Financing (HCPF) exempt certain facilities from the provider fee effective July 1, 2026.

Director Bonnie Silva, representing HCPF, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Doug Farmer, representing the Colorado Health Care Association, testified in support of the bill.

Deborah Lively, representing LeadingAge Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

The witnesses responded to questions from the committee.

The committee took a brief recess.

The committee returned to order.  Representative Ricks, prime sponsor, returned to the committee to discuss House Bill 23-1020, which was originally heard on March 27, 2023. The bill expands eligibility criteria for social equity licensees, expands the categories of marijuana accelerator licenses for which social equity licensees may apply, and requires additional incentives for social equity licensees and accelerator-endorsed licensees.  Representative Ricks distributed and explained amendments L.003 (Attachment A), L.004 (Attachment B), L.005 (Attachment C), L.011, which amends L.005 (Attachment D), L.006 (Attachment E), L.007 (Attachment F), and L.008 (Attachment G).

Representative Ricks distributed and explained amendments L.003 (Attachment A), L.004 (Attachment B), L.005 (Attachment C), L.011 (Attachment D), L.006 (Attachment E), L.007 (Attachment F), and L.008 (Attachment G).

Representative Ricks made closing comments and asked for a favorable recommendation.

Members of the committee commented about their positions on the bill.

Representatives Marshall and Soper, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 23-1208. For tax years 2023 through 2026, this bill creates a refundable state income tax credit for eligible public school teachers.

The sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Senator Evie Hudak, representing Colorado PTA, testified in opposition to the bill.

The sponsors made closing comments and members of the committee spoke about their positions on the bill.

Representatives Soper and Valdez, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 23-1260. The bill modifies existing tax credits, allows local governments to designate new areas (“CHIPS Zones”) where manufacturers may access certain enterprise zone tax credits, and creates a task force.

The sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Deputy Director Jeff Kraft, representing the Office of Economic Development and International Trade, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs. Johnna Reeder Kleymeyer, representing the Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Corporation, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Amy Goodman, representing the Colorado BioScience Association, testified in support of the bill.

The witnesses responded to questions from the committee.

The bill sponsors made closing remarks.

Representatives Lukens and Velasco, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 23-1265. The bill creates the Born to Be Wild special license plate for the purpose of funding conflict mitigation related to gray wolf population management. Amendment L.002 (Attachment H) was distributed. They responded to questions from the committee.

Dianna Orf, representing Coloradans for Responsible Wildlife Management, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Rob Edward, representing the Rocky Mountain Wolf Project, testified in support of the bill.

Gaspar Perricone, representing the Colorado Wildlife Conservation Project, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs. Jennifer Burbey, representing the Colorado Outfitters Association, testified in support of the bill.

Daphne Gervais, representing the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, testified in support of the bill.

The witnesses responded to questions from the committee.

Christopher McMichael, representing the Office of Legislative Legal Services, came to the table to respond to questions about the bill.

Colin Gaiser, representing Legislative Council Staff, came to the table to respond to questions about the fiscal note.

Representative Velasco explained amendment L.002.

The sponsors wrapped up their presentation of the bill and asked for a favorable recommendation.