Via GreenCO, CALCP actively represents its members and the industry within the state legislature. GreenCO lobbyists will closely track specific policy issues for CALCP during the 2024 session. Additionally, CALCP representatives will identify further concerns in GreenCO Legislative Committee meetings. Please follow real-time updates on these matters at https://app.coloradocapitolwatch.com/bill-tracker-votes/0/1550/2024/0/ .
As the 2024 legislative session begins, the landscape industry in Colorado stands at a critical juncture, with numerous bills introduced, many directly impacting the sector. Key highlights include Senate Bill 24-005 addressing turf replacement, House Bill 24-1178 tackling pesticide regulation, and Senate Bill 24-106 focusing on construction defects. The substantial number of bills introduced, nearly 500, underscores the breadth and complexity of issues facing both the landscape industry and the wider community. As the session progresses, stakeholders must navigate this intricate and evolving regulatory landscape, remaining vigilant and proactive in advocating for their interests. Through collaborative efforts with policymakers, advocacy groups, and other stakeholders, CALCP/GreenCO aim to shape policies that foster sustainability, innovation, and resilience in Colorado’s built and natural environments.
The Small Engine Rules, set for final action by the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) in February 2024, are of great importance to the landscaping sector. They directly affect the use of equipment crucial to landscaping operations. Therefore, landscapers should stay vigilant about the rule’s progress and grasp its potential impact on equipment use and operational procedures.
Legislative Update: HB24-1178, introduced in the Colorado House of Representatives, presents a significant shift towards local control in pesticide regulation within the landscaping industry. The bill prioritizes empowering local communities to enact stricter oversight and accountability measures concerning pesticide usage, particularly in outdoor spaces. By granting municipalities and counties greater authority, HB24-1178 is not supported by CALCP/GreenCO.
Conversely, SB24-005, known as the “Water Conservation and Landscaping Practices Act,” is a substantial initiative aimed at advancing sustainable water management in outdoor areas throughout Colorado. Simultaneously introduced in the Colorado Senate, SB24-005 suggests strategies to encourage water-efficient landscaping methods and set standards for utilizing drought-resistant plants, mulching techniques, and intelligent irrigation systems. By offering rebates, tax breaks, and other incentives, the legislation seeks to motivate property owners and landscaping experts to embrace eco-friendly landscaping approaches, thereby aiding water conservation endeavors in the state.
HB24-1008 Wage Claims Construction Industry Contractors Bill Description: Concerning measures to expand general contractor accountability for wage claims involving contractors in the construction industry. GreenCO- Opposes
HB24-1014-Decptive Trade Practices Bill Description: Concerning the elimination of a judicially created requirement that a significant number of consumers be harmed before remedies may be available under the “Colorado Consumer Protection Act” GreenCO-Opposes.
HB24-1041– Streamline Filing Sales & Use Tax Returns Bill Description: Concerning the streamlining of processes for filing sales and use tax returns.GreenCO- Monitor.
HB24-1083 Construction Professional Insurance Coverage Transparency Bill Description: Concerning insurance coverage for construction professionals. GreenCO Opposed as Introduced.
HB24-1178 Local Government Authority to Regulate Pesticides Bill Description: Concerning local government authority to regulate pesticides. GreenCO Opposes.
SB24-005 Prohibit Landscaping Practices for Water Conservation Bill Description: Concerning the conservation of water in the state through the prohibition of certain landscaping practices. GreenCO Amending.
SB24-023 Hold Harmless for Error in GIS Database Data Bill Description: Concerning the requirement that local taxing jurisdictions hold harmless vendors that rely on erroneous data in certain electronic systems related to sales and use tax that are managed by the department of revenue. GreenCO Monitoring.
SB24-025 Local Government Sales & UseTax Collection Bill Description: Concerning local government sales and use taxes administered by the department of revenue, and, in connection therewith, revising, modernizing, and harmonizing various state statues relating to the state-administration of local sales and use tax into one uniform statute. GreenCO Monitoring
SB24-081 Perfluoroalkyl & Polyfluoroalkyl Chemicals Bill Description: Concerning measures to increase protections from perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals. GreenCO Is Reviewing Bill
SB24-100 Commercial Vehicle Highway Safety Measures Bill Description: Concerning commercial vehicle safety measures on Colorado highways. GreenCO is reviewing.
SB24-106 Right to Remedy Construction Defects Bill Description: Concerning legal actions based on claimed defects in construction projects. GreenCO is reviewing-Suggesting Support Position.