Colorado State Legislature Introduces Seven Bills with Implications for the Business Community

SOURCE: THELOBBY-CO.COM

As the Colorado state legislature enters its third week, lawmakers have already introduced several bills that could have a significant impact on the business community. Here are seven that were introduced on the first day of the 2024 Colorado General Assembly:

  • Senate Bill 24-002: Local Government Property Tax Credits Rebates
  • by Sen. Dylan RobertsRep. Julie McCluskie, and Rep. Lisa Frizell, this bill would allow local governments to implement programs offering property tax credits and rebates to incentivize certain uses of property, such as converting short-term rentals to long-term rentals or opening childcare centers.
  • House Bill 24-1004: Ex-Offenders Practice in Regulated Occupations
  • by Rep. Jennifer BaconRep. Shannon Bird, and Sen. James Coleman, all Democrats, this measure would allow regulators evaluating applications for state-regulated occupations to consider an applicant’s conviction of violent felonies or misdemeanors. Non-violent offenses would not be considered after three years.
  • Senate Bill 24-033: Lodging Property Tax Treatment
  • by Sen. Chris Hansen and Rep. Mike Weissman, both Democrats, this bill seeks to classify short-term rental properties rented out for more than 90 days in a tax year as lodging property instead of residential. It also establishes a pilot program for a statewide database and reporting system to track short-term rental units.
  • House Bill 24-1014: Deceptive Trade Practice Significant Impact Standard
  • by Rep. Mike WeissmanRep. Javier Mabrey, and Sen. Julie Gonzales, all Democrats, this bill aims to change the standard required to file a claim of unfair or deceptive business practices. Under the proposed legislation, consumers would need to provide evidence of an intentional unfair or deceptive act that constitutes a significant impact on the public.

As these bills make their way through the legislative process, the impact on the business community will become clearer. The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce has expressed support for bipartisan legislation that promotes economic growth in diverse communities, suggesting that some of these bills align with their goals.

It remains to be seen how these bills will ultimately shape Colorado’s business landscape.