Glossary of Legislative Terms (2015)
Glossary of Legislative Terms
Second Regular Session | 73rd General Assembly
Colorado General AssemblyGlossary of Legislative Terms
Colorado's individual income tax form allows a taxpayer to make a voluntary contribution to any one of 15 funds, each of which benefits a program or charitable organization (organization). This issue brief provides information on the income tax "checkoff" program and the selection of...
The individual income tax is the largest source of General Fund revenue, accounting for 60 percent of General Fund collections in FY 2013-14. This issue brief provides a brief history of Colorado income tax rates, discusses the general process for determining Colorado’s individual income tax,...
The day-to-day expenses of state government are paid through the operating budget in the state's annual budget bill. Expenses related to new construction, renovation, or maintenance of the state's capital assets are paid through the capital budget. This issue brief outlines the types of projects...
In response to natural disasters that have hit Colorado in recent years, the General Assembly has enacted a number of tax breaks aimed at mitigating or relieving the impact of these disasters on taxpayers. Tax breaks can take a number of different forms, such as an income tax deduction,...
In 2000, voters approved Amendment 20, allowing the possession and use of medical marijuana in Colorado. In 2012, voters approved Amendment 64, legalizing marijuana for use by adults aged 21 and older. Sales of retail marijuana for adult use began on January 1, 2014.
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING COMMITTEE ON LEGISLATIVE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE, AND RECOVERY
During the summer and fall of 2014, seven interim committees and commissions met to discuss policy issues and draft legislation for consideration by the General Assembly during the upcoming legislative session. As required by legislative rules, the Legislative Council Committee met to review the...
This issue brief examines Colorado's fireworks law, including the ability of cities and counties to regulate fireworks.
On May 14, 2013, Governor Hickenlooper issued an executive order directing the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) to develop the Colorado Water Plan (CWP). According to executive order D 2013-005, the CWP must promote a productive economy that supports vibrant and sustainable cities;...
This memorandum provides background information on the structure of the business personal property tax and the estimated fiscal impact of eliminating the tax. The first section of the memorandum describes the business personal property tax base, authorized exemptions, filing procedures, and the...
This issue brief provides information on the relative size of state and local governments, compared with the total state economy. Government expenditures are represented as a percentage of the state's gross domestic product (GDP). In Colorado, stategovernmentexpendituresarebelowthenational...
The attached document provides a summary of major legislation considered by the General Assembly pertaining to taxes and fiscal policy.
This document provides a summary of legislation pertaining to the operations of the General Assembly considered by the legislature during the 2014 session.
Focus Colorado presents forecasts for the economy and state government revenue through FY 2015-16. Implications of the forecast for the state's General Fund budget and spending limit are described in the report's highlights and executive summary sections. The report is based on current law,...
The state innovative motor vehicle income tax credit is intended to reduce the cost of alternative fuel vehicles and incentivize their purchase. This issue brief describes the tax credit, most recently addressed in House Bill 13-1247, and provides information on how its value is calculated.
The Office of Research and Analysis at Colorado Department of Revenue prepares, every odd-numbered year, a tax profile and expenditure report for the state as required by §39-21-303, C.R.S. This report is to include information identifying and describing tax expenditures administered by the...
This document has been created to provide persons and organizations with information regarding the procedures and criteria established by the State Capitol Building Advisory Committee for the placement of donated or loaned art in the State Capitol Building and its grounds. It includes the...
Like other states, Colorado offers retirement benefits to its employees through a variety of pension plans. The state's pension plans are established in law and include both employee and employer contributions, which are made in lieu of contributions to the federal Social Security program. The...
The Colorado General Assembly has considered and made changes to the state budget process during the past three years. Specifically, House Bill 10-1119 established a performance-based budgeting program through the State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government...
The Office of Research and Analysis at Colorado Department of Revenue prepares, every odd-numbered year, a tax profile and expenditure report for the state as required by §39-21-303, C.R.S. This report is to include information identifying and describing tax expenditures administered by the...
Senate Bill 09-256 amends the Public School Finance Act of 1994 to provide funding for school districts for the 2009-10 budget year. Senate Bill 09-259, the "Long Bill," appropriates most of the money distributed to school districts. Highlights of funding provided to school districts by the two...
This issue brief provides a brief description of the Colorado Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA) and summarizes key provisions of Senate Bill 06-235, which modifies PERA's board of directors and attempts to improve its financial situation. Overall, the bill increases the flow of...
The Office of Research and Analysis at Colorado Department of Revenue prepares, every odd-numbered year, a tax profile and expenditure report for the state as required by §39-21-303, C.R.S. This report is to include information identifying and describing tax expenditures administered by the...