Republicans this year presented a package of “Real Solutions” to address Colorado’s most pressing issues. Starting in August, several of these bills become law.
“In these tough economic times, the people of Colorado need real solutions to challenges, not expensive proposals that burden taxpayers’ budgets,” said House Republican Leader Mike May, R-Parker. “Our economy can’t take more taxes and fees or strict mandates that hurt our business climate.”
One of the bills taking effect, House Bill 1139, was sponsored by May and requires the state to evaluate whether it is in the best interest of taxpayers to bid on a toll highway when it is offered for sale or for lease. With limited transportation funding, May said the state should keep all of its options open.
Also part of the Real Solutions package were several environmental proposals, many of which go into effect in August.
Rep. Kevin Lundberg, R-Berthoud, sponsored HB 1318 to launch a pine beetle mitigation fund within the Colorado State Forest Service. The fund would help remove the bark beetle and start to clear infested wood, using only voluntary contributions from the public.
“On this issue, it’s particularly important for citizens and government to work hand in hand to address the impact of the beetle infestation that continues to devastate our community,” said Lundberg. “We must turn around the damage caused by the beetle epidemic and start looking at reforesting affected areas.”
Three proposals by Rep. Rob Witwer, R-Genesee, to help prevent and fight wild fires also go into effect. Senate Bill 39 creates an advisory board for wildfire mitigation and increased training for fire crews in urban forest areas and HB 1110 provides a tax deduction for homeowners who clear the trees around their homes. Also, HB 1334 gives emergency service providers the ability to provide health insurance to their volunteers, which in return will help them attract and retain volunteers.
In addition, Rep. Frank McNulty, R-Highlands Ranch, also sponsored HB 1222 requiring the Legislature's Water Resource Review Committee to take up the issue of how Colorado utilizes hydropower more as an affordable and renewable energy source, and potentially allowing for its use to meet the state’s renewable energy requirements. He said it is critical that policymakers focus on making energy more affordable for Colorado families, and not let radical special interests stand in the way of lower utility bills.
Finally, HB 1101, a health care bill sponsored by Rep. Bob Gardner, R-Colorado Springs, would significantly reduce the waiting list for services to the state’s citizens with developmental disabilities.
Below is a list of other measures that also go into effect.
HB 1003 by Rep. David Balmer – Establishes an expedited election procedure in the event of a catastrophe that leaves 100 or more congressional seats vacant.
HB 1013 by Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg – Allows school-related purchases made by schools and/or school groups to be exempt from certain taxes.
HB 1028 by Rep. Victor Mitchell – Extends the period for people to have the option of making a voluntary contribution to the Alzheimer's Association Fund through a state income tax check-off.
HB 1047 by Rep. Bob Gardner – Creates a set aside program to enable nonprofit agencies that employ persons with severe disabilities to bid on contracts for certain types of state services.
HB 1097 by Rep. Kent Lambert – Prohibits an employer from firing a Civil Air Patrol member when he or she is called up for duty.
HB 1127 by Rep. Larry Liston – Offers a tax credit to a taxpayer who hires someone with developmental disabilities.
HB 1130 by Rep. Stella Garza Hicks – Permits additional extensions of official orders for a wiretap.
HB 1136 by Rep. Ken Summers – At the time of motor vehicle registration, requires the Department of Revenue to verify that the vehicle has not been reported stolen.
HB 1175 by Rep. Stella Garza-Hicks – Creates a new special license plate for the 4th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army.
HB 1179 by Rep. Cory Gardner – Allows the state to withhold from an employee his or her PERA distributions if action has been taken against that employee for theft, embezzlement, or other financial transgression against the state.
HB 1255 by Rep. Cory Gardner – Expands the teacher loan forgiveness pilot program to include more teachers from rural school districts.
HB 1317 by Rep. Marsha Looper – Creates an interstate compact to enhance educational opportunities for children who move frequently as the result of the military deployments of their parents.
HB 1325 by Rep. Marsha Looper – Establishes a pilot program to streamline the application process for the federal H-2A visa program for legal seasonal workers, used by farmers nationwide.
HB 1348 by Rep. Rob Witwer – Expands Colorado’s peace officer force by allowing expanded authority to officers of the Federal Protective Service in the United States Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
HB 1383 by Rep. Ellen Roberts – Allows nurses to retain their license and return to work after a temporary leave of absence.
HB 1395 by Rep. Don Marostica – Exempts the state and its political subdivisions from paying property tax to the state on property it is renting or leasing for at least a one-year term.
SB 68 by Rep. Kevin Lundberg – Allows the use of telemedicine for mental health services under Medicaid.
SB 78 by Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg – Clarifies that the standards used by entities that distribute grants from the State Historical Fund must allow for the use of energy efficient materials and technologies.
SB 108 by Rep. Al White – Offers free lifetime resident combination small game hunting and fishing licenses to Colorado residents who are Purple Heart recipients.
SB 139 by Rep. Kevin Lundberg – Requires the Department of Labor and Employment to provide additional information to employers and the public regarding the illegality of hiring illegal immigrants, as well as the availability of the federal e-verify program to check an employee’s work eligibility status.
SB 166 by Rep. Frank McNulty – Allows members of the Colorado National Guard to receive financial aid for college through the College Opportunity Fund.