H_LG_2017A 03/29/2017 Committee Summary

01:31 PM -- HB17-1278



Representatives Exum and Pettersen, co-prime sponsors, explained HB17-1278 concerning the deposit of proceeds from the tax on insurance premiums to the Local Firefighter Safety and Disease Prevention Fund. The bill requires the State Treasurer to deposit $2.5 million of the proceeds from the tax on insurance policy premiums in the Local Firefighter Safety and Disease Prevention Fund for each of the three fiscal years commencing on or after July 1, 2017. They answered questions from the committee regarding the tax rate for insurance premiums, increases from this revenue source due to population growth, and other related funding issues. Further discussion ensued regarding merit or need-based distribution of the firefighter funds. It was emphasized by the sponsors that this funding request is directly skimmed off the top of revenue raised through insurance premium taxes and is not part of the General Fund.



Chris Creighton, representing Legislative Council Staff, answered technical questions from the committee.



01:59 PM -- Dennis Eulberg, representing the Colorado Professional Firefighters Organization, spoke in support of the bill.





























02:04 PM -- Garry Briese, representing the Colorado State Fire Chiefs, spoke in support of the bill. He explained that special district fire departments have very few options for raising revenue and are going out of business as a result, especially in rural parts of the state. He distributed a handout regarding the cost of firefighter gear and equipment (Attachment A).



17HouseLocalGov0329AttachA.pdf



02:11 PM



Representatives Exum and Pettersen made closing remarks and answered questions from the committee. They explained the importance and necessity of firefighters in a community and funding shortfalls due to the Gallagher Amendment. Committee members discussed funding priorities and the budgeting process.

02:35 PM



The committee adjourned.