To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Michelle Halstead, Director, Commissioners’ Office
Prepared By:
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Cody O’Brien, Management Analyst I, Commissioners’ Office
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presenter
Presenter: Ed Bowditch and Jennifer Cassell, Bowditch and Cassell Public Affairs
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Subject:
title
1:00 PM *Legislative Update
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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.
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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:
Housing/Land Use
• HB24-1152 Accessory Dwelling Units
• HB24-1366 Sustainable Local Government Community Planning
Energy/Environment
• HB24-1173 Electric Vehicle Charging System
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:
• SB24-025 Update Local Government Sales & Use Tax Collection
• HB24-1379 Regulate Dredge & Fill Activities in State Waters
• SB24-050 Colorado Workforce Demonstration Grants Pilot Program
• HB24-1409 Employment-Related Funding & Workforce Enterprise
• HB24-1266 Local Government Utility Relocation in Right-of-Way
• SB24-106 Right to Remedy Construction Defects
• HB24-1313 Housing in Transit-Oriented Communities
Bills For Awareness
• SB24-186 County Coroner & Deputy Coroner Public Employees’ Retirement Association Eligibility
• SB24-013 District Attorneys’ Salaries
• HB24-1431 Stable Housing for Survivors of Abuse Program
Please note that this report was amended on Friday in advance of the Legislative Update as information became 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.