Date: 09/25/2012

Final
Draft Bill #6

WILDFIRE COMMISSION

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Move that Bill #6, concerning the extension of finPASS



10:52 AM -- Draft Bill #6

Ms. Esther van Mourik, representing the Office of Legislative Legal Services, explained the effect of Draft Bill #6, concerning the extension of financial incentives for wildfire mitigation. The bill extends an income tax deduction of one-half the actual costs of certain wildfire mitigation measures performed on the property of the taxpayer, up to a $2,500 deduction per year. The bill also extends the authority of the Colorado Water Resources and Power Development Authority to issue up to $50 million in bonds for the watershed protection and forest health projects of government agencies through July 1, 2023. Discussion ensued regarding the cost of the financial incentives continued by the bill, and the changes made by the bill to the current in state law.

10:57 AM

The following individuals testified regarding Draft Bill #6:

10:57 AM

Mr. Andy Hoover testified regarding Draft Bill #6 and suggested that the commission is acting beyond the charge of House Bill 12-1352. Discussion ensued regarding the charge of the commission, and the benefits of maintaining financial incentives for wildfire mitigation. Discussion ensued between Mr. Hoover and the commission members concerning the charge of the commission pursuant to House Bill 12-1352.

11:01 AM

Ms. Beth Semptimphelter asked whether the bill's provisions apply to lands owned by the Denver Water Board. Senator Roberts provided additional background on the financial incentives extended by Draft Bill #6. Ms. Septimphelther asked about the maximum tax deduction that may be claimed by individuals under the bill, and the impact of the bill on bonding authority by public utilities. Discussion ensued regarding the ability of the Denver Water Board to claim tax deductions under the bill. Ms. van Mourik provided additional input about the eligibility of the Denver Water Board to claim a tax deduction under Draft Bill #6.

11:09 AM

Mr. Tom Scanlan suggested including a provision in Draft Bill #6 to publicize the tax deduction extended by the bill. Discussion ensued on this point.
BILL:Draft Bill #6
TIME: 11:10:59 AM
MOVED:Roberts
MOTION:Move that Bill #6, concerning the extension of financial incentives for wildfire mitigation, be forwarded by the commission to the Legislative Council. The motion passed on a vote of 4-0.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Davis
Excused
Gerou
Yes
Levy
Yes
Nicholson
Yes
Roberts
Yes
YES: 4 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS




11:11 AM

Discussion ensued regarding the sponsorship of Draft Bill #6. Senators Nicholson and Roberts, and Representatives Levy and Gerou were designated as the Senate and House co-prime sponsors.