Last Friday was the statutory deadline - known as the 30-day clock - for the Governor to sign, veto or allow legislation passed in the most recent session of the Colorado General Assembly to become law without his signature.
Two bills Colorado Concern and others in the business community asked the Governor to veto,
(read letter here)SB14-197 - Concerning High-Performance Transportation Enterprise Transparency, and HB14-1375 - Modifications to the Provisions Governing Urban Redevelopment did indeed meet the fate of the veto pen. The Governor's rationale for both actions are noted in his veto messages, available through these links: SB 14-197 and HB14-1375.We thank him for his actions.
The Governor allowed one bill, HB14-1371 - Concerning Property Taxation of Oil and Gas Leaseholds and Lands, and, in connection therewith, Specifying that the Wellhead is the Point of Valuation and Taxation for such Leaseholds and Land - to become law without his signature. His formal message to the General Assembly noted concern from stakeholders, and some legislators who supported the bill and were now questioning their vote, regarding the change in tax policy the measure prescribes. That letter is available here.
Also on the legislative front, conversations regarding a Special Session of the General Assembly to consider statutory changes that could lead the proponents of local control measures headed for the November statewide ballot to withdraw their proposals continue. A draft of legislation dealing with increased local government control options has been shared with directly impacted stakeholders (energy industry, mineral rights holders, agricultural interests and the development community), and the Governor's Office is gathering feedback. A decision regarding calling lawmakers back to debate the issue is in the hands of the Governor, and we expect a decision on the matter in the near future.
If you have questions regarding the legislative proposal, its content, or the status of Coloradans for Responsible Reform (CFRR),the issue committee Colorado Concern and others are working with to ensure we defeat any attempts to ban the energy industry should this battle proceed to November, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
Warmly,
Tamra
Below is information on upcoming Colorado Concern events.
Click herefor more information or to register to attend events.
June 18: Membership Networking Lunch Hosted by Steve Farber
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Colorado Concern, 140 East 19th Avenue, Suite 400
Two spots have recently opened up for this event. Click on the link above to register if you would like to attend.
June 30: Membership Luncheon with Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock
11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., The Brown Palace, 321 17th Street
July 28: Membership Networking Breakfast Hosted by Dan Ritchie
7:30 to 9:00 a.m., Colorado Concern, 140 East 19th Avenue, Suite 400
Click hereto find out what legislation Colorado Concern tracked during the 2014 state legislative session. The report includes links to bill text, sponsors, Colorado Concern's positions, bill status, and additional notes.
Click here to download the final Colorado Concern At a Glance Status Sheet for quick tracking of Colorado Concern's bills of interest, including which bills Governor John Hickenlooper signed and vetoed.
Colorado Concern is hosting Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock for a complimentary luncheon June 30 at the Brown Palace. Click herefor details and to register. ___________