To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Michelle Halstead, Director, Commissioners’ Office
Prepared By:
prepared
Cody O’Brien, Management Analyst I, Commissioners’ Office
end
presenter
Presenter: Ed Bowditch and Jennifer Cassell, Bowditch and Cassell Public Affairs
end
Subject:
title
1:00 PM *Legislative Update
end
Purpose and Request:
recommended action
The purpose of this meeting is to provide information on the status of Colorado's state legislative session, including potential impacts to Arapahoe County, and seek Board direction on legislative positions or specific advocacy activities.
end
Background and Discussion: As a constitutional subdivision of Colorado state government, Arapahoe County can only exercise those powers specifically expressed in statute or in the constitution. Arapahoe County contracts with Bowditch and Cassell Public Affairs for state advocacy activities. The Director of the Commissioners’ Office coordinates federal and state intergovernmental relations, in partnership with the Director of Human Services, the County Attorney, the Director of Community Resources, the Director of Public Works and Development, and the Director of Public Health (staff legislative team).
Staff reviews proposed legislation through the lens of operational and fiscal impacts to the county, in the context of the County’s legislative guide (attached for reference).
This week, the lobbyist team will provide updates on the following bills that could impact Arapahoe County as well as other topics deemed appropriate:
General Government
• HB24-1437 Prohibit Flat Fees for Defending Indigent Clients
Additionally, the lobbyist and staff legislative team will provide updates on the following bills and topics:
• SB24-174 Sustainable Affordable Housing Assistance
• HB24-1366 Sustainable Local Government Community Planning
• HB24-1313 Housing in Transit-Oriented Communities
• MACC Support Letter for HB24-1371 More Uniform Local Massage Facilities
• HB24-1266 Local Government Utility Relocation in Right-of-Way
Please note that this report will be amended on Friday in advance of the Legislative Update as information becomes available.
Fiscal Impact: Please refer to the attached 2024 Internal Legislative Report.
Alternatives: The Board could decide to not move forward with staff recommendations.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: Please refer to the attached reference documents.
Concurrence: The staff legislative team will be in attendance to answer questions as needed.