The Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce has taken positions on three bills that are working their way through the Colorado General Assembly.
The Statewide Initiative Process (HB15-1057)
Sponsored by Rep. Lois Court (D-Denver) and Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Sterling)
Summary: The bill would require the Colorado Legislative Council’s director of research to prepare an initial fiscal impact statement for each initiative submitted to the title board and to further summarize the abstract into a two-sentence fiscal impact summary. The bill also requires the designated representatives of the initiative to appear at all review and comment meetings. If either designated representative fails to appear at a review and comment meeting, the initiative is considered withdrawn, but the proponents are permitted to resubmit the initiative for another review and comment meeting.
The Chamber supports HB15-1057 because we believe these requirements are important in ensuring ballot measures are thoughtful and that the voters know the fiscal impact the measures will have on the Colorado budget, our economy and ultimately on business. It also brings the ballot initiative process in line with that of referendums.
Prohibited Communication Concerning Patents (HB15-1063)
Sponsored by Rep. Dan Pabon (D-Denver) and Sen. David Balmer (R- Centennial)
Summary: This bill requires the Colorado attorney general's office to prosecute anyone who threatens litigation for patent violations with bad-faith patent-infringement claims.
The Chamber supports HB15-1063 because it should help to reduce frivolous and intimidating claims against businesses that follow the correct to use or invest in intellectual property.
Educator Evaluations Fifty Percent Academic Growth (SB15-003)
Sponsored by Sen. Michael Merrifield (D-Colorado Springs)
Summary: Senate Bill 10-191, which addresses educator effectiveness, included a requirement that at least 50 percent of a teacher's or principal's performance evaluation be determined by the academic growth of the teacher's students or the students in the principal's school. This bill eliminates that requirement.
The Chamber opposes this bill because it would remove a key provision of SB10-191, which created an evaluation system to develop greater accountability for educators and principals. The Chamber has long supported education as one of the pillars for a healthy and thriving economy. We also support a high-performing education system and quality instruction. Because of that, the Chamber continues to be supportive of SB10-191 in its entirety.
The Chamber will share its positions on policy that impacts the business community weekly while the legislature is in session. Click here to view all the Chamber’s positions this session.
Jennifer Jones is the director of public affairs for the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.
[Photo by: Ken Lund]
