s_fin_2016a_2016-03-31t11:03:14z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/31/2016

11:38 AM -- SB16-067



Senators Scheffel and Heath, co-prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 16-067, which creates a property tax exemption for personal property used to provide broadband service. The exemption applies to personal property purchased on or after January 1, 2016. Senators Scheffel and Heath distributed and explained Amendment L.003 (Attachment B), Attachment L.008 (Attachment C), and a memo about the fiscal impact of the bill with the inclusion of Amendment L.003 (Attachment D).



16SenateFin0331AttachB.pdf 16SenateFin0331AttachC.pdf



16SenateFin0331AttachD.pdf



11:52 AM -- Ms. Dianne Criswell, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in opposition to the bill and the proposed amendments. Ms. Criswell addressed questions from the committee.



11:56 AM -- Mr. Jon Heisler, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Senator Scheffel addressed a question from the committee about areas of the state that do not receive broadband services. Senator Heath also addressed the question. Mr. Heisler responded to the comments made by Senators Scheffel and Heath and additional questions and comments from the committee.



12:09 PM -- Mr. Patrick Boyle, representing Colorado Competitive Council, testified in support of the bill.



12:11 PM -- Mr. Pete Kirchhof, representing the Colorado Telecommunications Association, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Kirchhof addressed questions from the committee.



12:18 PM -- Mr. Mark Soltes, representing Century Link, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Soltes distributed a handout, "SB 67 Will Accelerate Broadband Investment, Help Create Jobs, and Increase State Revenue Without Raising Taxes" (Attachment E) and addressed questions from the committee.



16SenateFin0331AttachE.pdf



12:28 PM -- Mr. Curt Settle and Mr. Bill Kowalowski, both representing the Division of Property Taxation, addressed questions from the committee.





12:34 PM



Senators Heath and Scheffel made closing remarks on the bill and addressed questions raised during witness testimony. Members of the committee commented on the merits of the bill.