Date: 04/05/2006

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB06-047

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Refer Senate Bill 06-047 to the Committee on ApproPASS


02:03 PM -- Senate Bill 06-047 - Concerning the Provision of Health Care Services by Local Governmental Entities

Representative Riesberg, prime sponsor, explained the provisions of the bill. Representative Riesberg explained that the reengrossed version of the bill allows for the establishment of sales-tax-funded health assurance districts, with voter approval. Such districts are already authorized to impose a property tax to fund services, if approved by voters. The bill also allows a county to impose an additional sales tax to fund health care services, with voter approval, and exempts the new tax from the existing 6.91 percent limitation on county sales taxes.

The committee discussed the number of taxing jurisdictions in the state and the concerns regarding the addition of more taxing jurisdictions. Representative Riesberg pointed out that under current law, health assurance districts are already allowed to impose a property tax if approved by voters. The bill expands a district's ability to use sales taxes as a funding source.

The following persons testified:

02:20 PM -- Ms. Carrie Curtiss, Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, testified in support of the bill and commented that it allows for more local government control over the funding of health care services. Ms. Curtiss closed by saying the bill would allow districts in the bill to be formed statewide.

02:22 PM -- Ms. Cindy Sovine, Colorado Hospital Association, testified in support of the bill.

02:23 PM -- Mr. Chris Howes, Colorado Retail Council, testified in support of the measure.

After a brief committee discussion on provisions in the bill that pertain to voter elections, the bill was placed on the table for action.
BILL:SB06-047
TIME: 02:27:14 PM
MOVED:McCluskey
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 06-047 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a 9-4-0 vote.
SECONDED:Judd
VOTE
Benefield
Yes
Cloer
No
Crane
No
Frangas
Yes
Garcia
Yes
Harvey
No
Jahn
Yes
Kerr
Yes
Marshall
Yes
Massey
No
McCluskey
Yes
Judd
Yes
Vigil
Yes
Final YES: 9 NO: 4 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



02:28 PM

The meeting adjourned.