S_FIN_2020A 06/10/2020 11:00:21 AM Committee Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Senators Pettersen and Rodriguez, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 20-1415, concerning a worker's rights in the workplace for conduct related to a principal's actions during a public health emergency.  Senator Pettersen explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. She also discussed some forthcoming amendments. Senator Rodriguez provided additional input on the bill's merits.

The following persons testified regarding HB 20-1415:

Katherine Shaw, representing Denver Health Workers United, testified in support of the bill. Katie Lichtenstein, representing Denver Health Workers United, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding punitive measures taken by health care employers, and the potential for the bill to increase litigation. Ms. Lichtenstein discussed her organization. Discussion followed regarding the personal protective equipment available in the health care environment.

Larson Ross, representing himself and his coworkers, testified in support of HB 20-1415. Mr. Ross responded to questions regarding conditions place upon him by his employer.

Anneliese Steel, representing Colorado Concern, testified regarding HB 20-1415. Ms. Steel responded to questions regarding the scope of the bill, and stakeholder input on the bill. Ms. Steel responded to further questions regarding worker protection in the absence of the bill.

Faviola Armendariz, representing Jobs with Justice, testified in support of HB 20-1415. Ms. Armendariz responded to questions regarding whether the bill should be retroactive in scope.

The bill sponsors presented Amendment L.007 (Attachment A).  Written testimony on the bill can be found in Attachment B.

The cosponsors explained amendment L.009 (Attachment C).

Senator Pettersen explained the effect of amendment L.010 (Attachment D).

Senators Pettersen and Rodriguez provided closing remarks in support of HB 20-1415. Discussion ensued regarding the potential for making the bill prospective in scope.

Senators Donovan and Zenzinger, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 20-1413, which establishes a state and private investor-funded small business recovery loan program.  Senator Donovan explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Senator Zenzinger provided input on the merits of the legislation.

Dave Young, State Treasurer, testified in support of HB 20-1413. Jeff Kraft, representing the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), testified in support of the bill. Mr. Kraft responded to questions regarding the types of companies impacted by the bill, and the mechanics of the legislation. Treasurer Young provided input on the method by which funds would be released under the bill.

Anneliese Steel, representing Colorado Concern, testified in support of the bill.

No amendments were offered to HB 20-1413. The bill's cosponsors provided closing remarks in support of the bill.

Senator Story, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 20-1200, which continues the Homeowner's Association (HOA) Information and Resource Center in the Department of Regulatory Agencies, which is scheduled to repeal on September 1, 2020, and creates a new HOA dispute resolution process.  Senator Story explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.

Buck Bailey, representing himself, testified in opposition to HB 20-1200.

Robert Rakenski, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

No amendments were offered to HB 20-1200.

Senators Story and Sonnenberg, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 20-1408.  The bill The bill establishes a prioritized list of controlled maintenance projects to be funded by revenue generated pursuant to House Bill 20-1377.  Senator Story explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.

No amendments were offered to HB 20-1408.

Senators Sonnenberg and Rodriguez, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 20-1213.This bill continues and combines the Commodity Handler Act and the Farm Products Act in the Department of Agriculture, which are scheduled to repeal on July 1, 2020.  Senator Sonnenberg explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. He also discussed the effect of forthcoming amendment L.007 (Attachment E).

Senators Foote and Pettersen, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 20-1414, which creates a deceptive trade practice for price gouging during a disaster period, enforceable by the Attorney General or a local district attorney's office.  Senator Foote explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Senator Pettersen provided additional input on the bill.  Amendment L.006 was distributed to the committee (Attachment F).

No one testified regarding HB 20-1414.

Senator Holbert, co-prime sponsor, presented House Bill 20-1416, which modifies the timing and format of fiscal analyses prepared by nonpartisan legislative staff for citizen-initiated ballot measures.  Senator Holbert explained the effect of the bill.  No witnesses testified on the bill.

Senators Todd and Hisey, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 20-1312, which requires that educators complete professional development related to behavioral health training in order to obtain an educator license. Senator Todd explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Senator Hisey additional input. No witnesses testified on the bill.

Senator Hansen, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 20-1417.  The bill codifies the Care Subfund in the General Fund where $70.0 million in federal funds from the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act of 2020 were allocated by the Governor.  No witnesses testified on the bill.

Senators Hansen and Tate, prime sponsors presented Senate Bill 20-223.  Beginning with the 2020 property tax year, the bill places a moratorium on altering assessment rates of any class of property and makes conforming statutory amendments.  Senator Hansen explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.

Discussion ensued regarding provisions in HB 20-1418 that may enable tax increases for education, and a potential amendment to remove these provisions.

Senator Lundeen explained the effect of amendment L.011 (Attachment G). Discussion ensued regarding the merits of the amendment.

Various committee members provided their positions on HB 20-1418.