s_fin_2016a_2016-03-22t14:04:17z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/22/2016

02:28 PM -- HB16-1297



Senator Martinez Humenik, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 16-1297, which expands the number of voluntary contribution designations (or income tax check-offs) that may appear on a state individual income tax form from 15 to 20 check-offs. The bill also lowers the minimum amount of contributions that a checkoff program must receive in order to remain on the tax form from $75,000 to $50,000. Finally, the bill reestablishes the income tax check-offs that were excluded from the 2015 individual income tax form because they did not receive the minimum contribution in tax year 2014. Senator Martinez Humenik answered a question from the committee.



02:33 PM -- Mr. Mark Turner, representing the Colorado Non-Profit Association, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Turner addressed a question about the number of non-profit organizations waiting to be added to future tax forms. Discussion ensued about the change in the amount of contributions that a checkoff program must receive in order to remain on the tax form. Mr. Turner also address questions about the number of checkoff programs that will fit on the tax form.



Senator Martinez Humenik listed the six organizations that have check-off programs that would be reestablished pursuant to the bill.



02:45 PM -- Ms. Linda Mitchell, representing the Alzheimer's Association, testified in support of the bill.



02:48 PM -- Ms. Carrie Nolan, representing the Colorado Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Nolan addressed questions from the committee.



02:53 PM -- Mr. R. J. Ours, representing the American Cancer Society, testified in support of the bill.



02:55 PM -- Ms. Casey Davenhill, representing the Colorado Watershed Assembly, testified in support of the bill.



02:57 PM -- Ms. Teresa Pusztai, representing Make-A-Wish Colorado, testified in support of the bill.





03:01 PM



Senator Martinez Humenik made some closing remarks about the bill. Mr. Myers returned to the table to answer questions from the committee. Members of the committee commented on the merits of the bill. Discussion ensued with Mr. Myers about the administration of the tax checkoff program. Senator Martinez Humenik addressed additional committee questions.

03:16 PM



The committee adjourned.