The Second Regular Session of the 73rd General Assembly convened on January 12th, 2022. With the COVID-19 pandemic making the past two sessions much different, it finally feels like things are getting closer to normal at the Capitol.
To date, there have been over 430 bills introduced with anticipation of many more to be come in the next few weeks. With 2022 being an election year, there won’t be as many big-ticket items but that doesn’t mean there will be a lack of issues to weigh in on.
Legislation that has been introduced thus far covers many topics including simplification of sales tax, pesticides, workers’ compensation, workforce development, business regulations, employee rights, and multiple water bills. Some of the bills that CNGA is tracking are listed with a brief summary at the bottom of this document.
CNGA and GreenCO continue to be active at the Capitol on the above issues as well as many others, by working with larger business coalitions, as well as attending stakeholder meetings and meeting with sponsors. We continue to educate the General Assembly on our priorities and continue to be a resource to them.
The 2022 elections are right around the corner and this year could see many changes in the legislature with it being the first election since redistricting. The House Republicans look to pick up multiple seats to close the large gap between them and the majority and the Senate Republicans will look to try and pick up the majority.
Even with the Session just hitting the midway point, there are many bills yet to be introduced and we will keep you updated on all legislation and issues that may impact CNGA and GreenCO.
Current Legislation:
HB22-1026 Alternative Transportation Options Tax Credit: Concerning the replacement of the income tax deduction for amounts spent by an employer to provide alternative transportation options to employees with an income tax credit for amounts spent by an employer for that purpose.
HB22-1039 Sales & Use Tax Exemption Form Simplification: Concerning simplification of the means by which proof of eligibility for sales and use tax exemptions is established.
HB22-1098 Department Of Regulatory Agencies Barriers To Practice Regulated Professions: Concerning the elimination of barriers to obtaining authority to practice an occupation based on an individual’s criminal history record.
HB22-1112 Workers’ Compensation Injury Notices: Concerning the notices required pertaining to on-the-job injuries covered by workers’ compensation insurance.
HB22-1138 Reduce Employee Single-occupancy Vehicle Trips: Concerning the creation of programs to reduce the number of single-occupancy vehicle commuter trips by improving access to alternative transportation options. We worked with a large coalition opposing this bill and it was Postponed Indefinitely on 2/28.
SB22-029 Investment Water Speculation: Concerning water speculation in the state.
SB22-032 Simplify Local Sales & Use Tax Administration: Concerning simplification of local sales and use tax compliance and administration for retailers that make retail sales in local taxing jurisdictions where they have limited physical presence.
SB22-097 Whistleblower Protection Health & Safety: Concerning the expansion of protections for workers who raise workplace health and safety concerns.
SB22-099 Sealing Criminal Records: Concerning the procedure for sealing of criminal records for nonviolent offenses, and, in connection therewith, addressing workforce shortages and minimizing barriers to employment for job seekers.
SB22-131 Protect Health of Pollinators and People: Concerning measures to improve pollinator habitats for the protection of the environment. We worked with a large coalition in opposing this bill and it was Postponed Indefinitely on 3/3.
SB22-138 Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Colorado: Concerning measures to promote reductions in greenhouse gas emissions in Colorado.
