Colorado Legislature – 2025 Session

HB25-1208: Local Governments Tip Offsets for Tipped Employees

Position: Support

Position Date: 3/11/25

Result: Bill Passed

Colorado House Bill 25-1208, “Local Governments Tip Offsets for Tipped Employees,” seeks to balance fair compensation for tipped workers with the economic viability of local businesses. The bill allows local governments to adjust the tip offset in relation to their minimum wage ordinances, enabling municipalities to tailor wage structures that reflect their unique economic landscapes. It would also allow establishments to better compensate positions that do not earn tips. This flexibility helps ensure that restaurants and other establishments can maintain sustainable operations while providing fair wages to their employees.

By supporting HB 25-1208, we aim to promote a thriving business environment that benefits both employers and employees across Colorado.

HB25-1261: Consumers Construction Defect Action

Position: Opposed as Written

Position Date: 3/11/25

Result: Bill Lost

The Broomfield Area Chamber opposes Colorado House Bill 25-1261, the “Consumer Construction Defect Action,” due to concerns that it may inadvertently hinder housing affordability and economic growth. The bill proposes extending the timeframe for homeowners to file construction defect lawsuits and mandates that builders provide extensive documentation, such as soil reports and engineering calculations, upon request. While these measures aim to protect homeowners, they could lead to increased litigation costs and heightened legal risks for builders, potentially discouraging the construction of new housing developments. This scenario may exacerbate the existing housing shortage and drive up costs for consumers.

By opposing HB 25-1261, we seek to promote a balanced approach that safeguards homeowner rights without imposing undue burdens on the construction industry, thereby supporting a healthy housing market and robust economic environment in Colorado.

HB25-1272 | Construction Defects & Middle Market Housing

Position: Support

Position Date: 3/11/25

Result: Bill Passed

Colorado House Bill 1272, “Construction Defects & Middle Market Housing,” aims to address critical issues in housing affordability and availability. By reforming construction defect litigation processes, the bill seeks to encourage the development of middle market housing by reducing legal risks for builders. Key provisions include procedural requirements for filing construction defect actions, extending statutes of limitations, and increasing homeowner association approval thresholds for initiating lawsuits. These measures are designed to balance the interests of homeowners and builders, promoting the construction of high-quality, attainable homes while mitigating excessive costs that have previously deterred development.

By supporting HB 1272, we believe it will stimulate economic growth, expand housing options, and enhance the overall business climate in Colorado.

 

SB25-005  | Worker Protection Collective Bargaining

Position: Opposed as Written

Position Date: 2/11/25

Result: Bill Passed – Vetoed by Governor

Currently,  Colorado’s 81-year-old Labor Peace Act, governing workforce unionization, contains a requirement calling for a second election before union negotiators can collect fees from workers. Senate Bill 5 seeks to eliminates that requirement.

Many business leaders believe the Labor Peace Act, as it currently stands, is important to Colorado’s economy by creating a middle ground between states often divided into camps of pro-union and anti-union.

The Broomfield Area Chamber agrees with the opinions of leaders of major business groups, fearing that Senate Bill 5, if passed, will lead to erection of unnecessary barriers between employers and workers and will damage the state’s ability to be competitive for company expansions.

Therefore, the Chamber opposes Senate Bill 5 as written.

 

HB25-1010 | Prohibiting Price Gouging in Sales of Necessities

Position: Opposed as Written

Position Date: 2/11/25

Result: Bill Passed

Note: The final bill was heavily amended, with sponsors adding an amendment during debate in the House that states that the new protections for consumer goods and other goods essential to public health, welfare, and safety kick in only during a declared disaster.

House Bill 1010 would define price-gouging as a 10% boost in the cost of goods “necessary for the health, safety and welfare of consumers or of the general public” over the average price of a previous 90-day period due to an “abnormal market disruption.”  An amendment to the measure would exempt short-term rentals, property sales and utilities regulated by the Public Utilities Commission and added seasonal pricing as an affirmative defense for price hikes along with additional costs imposed by suppliers.

The Broomfield Area Chamber feels that the bill, while well intended, does not take into consideration all the reasons behind price hikes, including mandatory wage increases,  transportation costs, and inflation. Additionally, a recent study indicates that Colorado is the sixth-most regulated state in the country, meaning businesses must raise the costs of their products and services to pay for compliance.

For these reasons, the Chamber opposes House Bill 1010 as written.

 

HB25-1005  | Tax Incentive for Film Festivals

Position: Support

Position Date: 2/11/25

Result: Bill Passed

House Bill 1005 creates a new refundable tax credit specifically to attract a world-renowned film festival, as well as a separate credit for smaller, local movie festivals. The Broomfield Area Chamber supports this move, as it will bring significant economic and cultural benefits to our region. By attracting a prestigious international film festival, House Bill 1005 positions Colorado—and communities like Broomfield—as vibrant destinations for tourism, creative investment, and industry innovation. The influx of visitors, filmmakers, and media attention will stimulate local businesses, from hotels and restaurants to transportation and retail.

Colorado Legislature – 2024 Sesson

SB 24 – 130  Noneconomic Damages Cap Medical Malpractice Actions 

Position: Support

The Broomfield Area Chamber is in support of Colorado Senate Bill 130: Noneconomic Damages Cap Medical Malpractice Actions. This is a bi-partisan measure sponsored by Senator Kyle Mullica (D), Senator Perry Will (R), and Representative Kyle Brown (D) that will incrementally increase the maximum noneconomic damages limitation in medical malpractice actions to $500,000 over the course of 5 years. The measure would go into effect in January 2025.

The Broomfield Area Chamber believes this compromise legislation will increase how much an individual can collect when they win a lawsuit to a reasonable level, while still protecting health care for millions of Coloradans. The Chamber feels that this measure will protect both patients and the medical community, while promoting access to high-quality, affordable health care for everyone.

Updated 4/22/24

 

HB 24 – 1107  Judicial Review of Local Land Use Decision

Position: Support

The Broomfield Chamber of Commerce supports this measure. The measure would require anyone who appeals an approved land use decision to a higher court under Rule 106 to pay for the city’s attorneys fees if the group loses. Under Colorado law, Rule 106 allows parties to appeal the decision of a lower body, like city council, to overturn approved projects.

Rule 106 appeals can often result in projects/developments that have already been approved by a city council or similar body being tied up in court for extended periods of time. The Chamber believe that groups that choose to file Rule 106 appeals have some liability if they lose the appeal.

Updated 3/27/2024

HB24 – 1156  Chamber of Commerce Alcohol Special Event Permit

Position: Support

The Broomfield Chamber of Commerce supports this bill. The bill was born out of an issue with another local Chamber of Commerce, who had a long-standing wine-walk event canceled due to an interpretation of current law.  The event was a significant source of revenue for that Chamber, as well as important event for several small businesses that were along the walk route.

The new measure would allow permitting authorities to issue special event permits to not-for-profit Chambers of Commerce, and would allow for non-contiguous locations to be part of the event. The Broomfield Area Chamber agrees that events such as those covered by the new bill are important to local Chambers and their member businesses, and shoud be allowed with proper permitting.

Updated 3/27/2024

2024 Colorado Ballot Measure 7A

Position: Support

The Broomfield Area Chamber, as part of the Northwest Chamber Alliance (NWCA), is in support of Colorado Ballot Measure 7A, which would exempt RTD from the TABOR cap on voter approved funding. See the news release below from the NWCA.

[NEWS RELEASE]

The Northwest Chamber Alliance supports the TABOR override measure for RTD

The Northwest Chamber Alliance wants to keep Colorado moving by exempting RTD from the TABOR cap on voter approved funding for regional transit services.

BOULDER, Colo. – Today, the Northwest Chamber Alliance announced its support of the November ballot measure that exempts the Regional Transportation District (RTD) from the Taxpayer Bill of Rights (TABOR) cap on voter approved funding.

The Northwest Chamber Alliance speaks with one voice when there are threats to regional business interests. The transit services RTD provides are critical to ensuring that our regional workforce has convenient commute options. While there are shared concerns among the Northwest Chamber Alliance member chambers regarding the need for enhanced RTD transit services, they all recognize that arbitrary revenue cuts will only cause further service degradation.

“For Superior, this isn’t just about improving transit; it’s about ensuring our regional economy thrives,” said Superior Chamber of Executive Director Leslie Espinoza. “Removing funding caps will allow RTD to invest in better service quality and more sustainable transportation options, which are indispensable for attracting businesses and talent to our area.”

“The Latino Chamber of Commerce proudly supports RTD’s TABOR override initiative,” said Carla Collin, President of the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Boulder County. “This critical measure will ensure that our communities, particularly those in underserved areas, have access to reliable and equitable public transportation. By reinvesting in our transit system, we can strengthen economic opportunities, improve connectivity, and support the vibrant, diverse communities that make up our region.”

“The Lafayette Chamber is supporting NWCA’s position on this measure,” said Katey McNeil, Executive Director of the Lafayette Chamber. “With our Boulder County communities being so interconnected as is, and as a Chamber of Commerce supporting businesses and focusing on overall connectivity between people, services, jobs, etc., we feel a strong transportation system is integral to maintaining, and increasing, our healthy community.”

“The Broomfield Area Chamber does share concerns about the level of RTD service in our community. However, we also realize that potential revenue cuts to the agency will not help us resolve those concerns,” said Pat Monacelli, President and CEO of the Broomfield Area Chamber. “As such, and because a strong transportation system is vital to business growth and enhancing connectivity, our chamber is supporting the NWCA position on this measure.”

“The Boulder Chamber, in keeping with the mobility advocacy leadership of our Transportation Connections team, stands with our regional chamber partners in demanding more of RTD,” said Boulder Chamber President and CEO John Tayer, “At the same time, we can’t hobble RTD with arbitrary funding caps. Let’s keep Colorado moving by making sure RTD has the voter approved funding to meet the needs of our regional workforce for reliable, accessible and sustainable transit services.”

About the Northwest Chamber Alliance
The Northwest Chamber Alliance – comprised of the Boulder Chamber, Broomfield Area Chamber of Commerce, Lafayette Chamber of Commerce, Latino Chamber of Boulder County, Louisville Chamber of Commerce, Longmont Area Chamber of Commerce, and Superior Chamber of Commerce – was formed in 2016 as a coalition of chambers focused on regional issues that impact economic vitality and quality of life. The Northwest Chamber Alliance member chambers of commerce represent approximately 380,000 employees and 3,700 businesses, ranging from large international corporations to small businesses, startups, nonprofits and public institutions.

Contacts
John Tayer, Boulder Chamber President and CEO: 303-919-2248
Pat Monacelli, President/CEO, Broomfield Area Chamber: 303-466-1775 x102
Katey McNeil, Executive Director of the Lafayette Chamber: 303-666-9555
Carla Collin, President, Latino Chamber of Commerce of Boulder County: 720-385-8221
Leslie Espinoza, Executive Director, Superior Chamber of Commerce: 303-554-0789 x1

 Updated 10/24/24

SB 23 – 213 Land Use

Position: Oppose

The Broomfield Chamber of Commerce is opposed to this bill. The Chamber does recognize affordable housing as one of the top issues facing our communities, and recognizes that the City and County of Broomfield has historically taken steps (and still does) that are appropriately tailored to our community to address the issue. In fact, Broomfield is recognized as one of the most forward-thinking communities in Colorado when it comes to affordable housing efforts.

In our opinion, this measure oversimplifies the affordable housing crisis as simply a shortage of housing supply and attempts to institute a top-down, state-wide strategy that does not take into consideration efforts that are already being undertaken in communities like Broomfield and could, in fact, supplant those efforts.
The Broomfield Area Chamber feels that this measure goes too far in inserting the state into local policy, and urges lawmakers to work toward solutions to the affordable housing crisis that include input from municipalities and residents alike.

Updated 4/19/2023

HB23 – 1215 Limits on Hospital Facility Fees

Position: Oppose as written

The Broomfield Chamber of Commerce is opposed to this measure, which would bar hospitals from collecting facility fees for telehealth, primary-care and preventive-health services. The Chamber does understand that the high costs of medical care are a concern, but feels that this measure is targeting the wrong area. Facility fees pay for staffing at facilities outside of the hospital setting, including nurses, technicians, administrative staff and even janitorial workers. Eliminating these fees would lead to closure of many outpatient clinics, driving patients back to longer waits and higher costs, and full hospital facilities.

The Broomfield Area Chamber feels that this measure, if approved, would threaten jobs, add expense, and limit patients’ access to care.

Updated 4/19/2023

 

HB 23 – 1243 Hospital Community Benefit

Position: Monitor

This bill would create a new definition of “community benefits” that is far more narrow than the current IRS reporting. The original language of the bill would have excluded charity care, research, training, and physician recruitment from being counted as community benefit.

There have been major changes to the bill since it was originally introduced. As such, The Broomfield Area Chamber has taken a position of “monitor” on this legislation.

Updated 4/19/2023

 

House Bill 1118, Fair Workweek Scheduling Bill

Position: Oppose

Broomfield Area Chamber Board of Directors has voted to oppose HB 1118, the “Fair Workweek” bill, as it is currently written.

HB 1118 imposes broad new regulations and restrictions on how employers manage employee workweek schedules and pay. While we, as a Chamber, can appreciate what the measure is attempting to do in protecting workers in certain industries, we agree with others in opposition that this measure, as written, will not only lead to costly new restrictions on employers in the hospitality industry, but also health care providers, public entities like schools, social service providers, and more.

We feel the bill fails to recognize the core business and operational needs of unpredictable industries. For many companies that are frequently faced with irregular workloads and demand, flexibility is a critical aspect of day-to-day business. If passed, HB 1118 would make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to adapt to these regular changes by adjusting employee schedules according to need. It’s simply not feasible to require that businesses set in stone employee schedules 2 weeks in advance, when anything from weather conditions, unexpected absences, or other unforeseen emergencies could drastically alter staffing needs.

We do believe that the needs of employees need to be considered by employers, and we applaud efforts to make that happen. And while HB 1118 is well-intended, in reality, we believe it will lead to less flexibility, fewer jobs, and lower pay for workers – all while exacerbating the labor challenges already faced by businesses in the Broomfield Area and throughout Colorado, and increasing the cost of doing business across our state.

Updated 2/21/2023