Colorado landscape industry releases legislative priorities for 2018 Email
News
Tuesday, February 13, 2018 06:00 AM

 

Colorado capitolGreenCO has announced its 2018 legislative priorities for the Colorado green industry. As a member of GreenCO, Associated Landscape Contractors of Colorado supports these areas of focus. The following policy issues include those that will be closely monitored by GreenCO lobbyists on behalf of ALCC during the 2018 session, as well as some issues specific to Colorado landscape companies. As additional issues arise, ALCC representatives will bring them to the attention of the GreenCO Legislative Committee for review.

Policy Issues being watched for 2018 session:

  • State water issues to include the funding of state water plan, utilization of BMPs by local governments and water districts. Nothing controversial has emerged from interim water committee for this session.
  • Work Comp revisions to include possible Independent Contractor changes, benefit discussions, employer mandates or reciprocity with other states.
  • Pesticide regulation to prevent expansion of local control, possible bans on pesticides or expansion of regulatory burden.
  • Construction defects legislation. More work on liability issues has to be accomplished and last session’s small victories can set the stage for further action.
  • Sales tax reform issues will be forwarded by a task force that was created last session. There is still a great need for uniformity and single point of payment for businesses.
  • Snow removal liability issues will be closely watched. The need for reform of liability for snow removal contractors grows every year.
  • Infrastructure funding will again be a major issue in the session. Two major points need to be addressed: productive rollout of the funding provisions in SB-267 using COPs and the enactment of long-term funding for highways to meet future needs. Possible ballot referral measures will be needed.
  • Closely watch the regulation of backflow devices and their use and installation in Colorado.
  • Watch budget issues for possible opportunities for tax credits or other incentives for employers to hire workforce from targeted populations and possible incentives for the hiring/training of needed job skills.

Read a detailed listing of GreenCO's legislative priorities. Follow them in real time at http://www.coloradocapitolwatch.com/bill-tracker-votes/0/1550/2018/0/).

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green NOW:
Board of Directors announced for ALCC in 2018
Drone footage reveals stunning landscape at Apple Park
Training tool becomes educational staple
Bill introduced to enforce utility locates law