HB25-1247 Advances to Senate Committee

CLARA continues to monitor HB25-1247, the County Lodging Tax Expansion bill, with our goal to keep members informed of policy that could impact your Colorado vacation rental.

The County Lodging Tax Expansion bill is scheduled for the Senate Local Government & Housing Committee hearing on April 2, 2025 at 10:00am.

Members of CLARA are encouraged to participate in the legislative process whether by listening to the hearing remotely, visiting the Capitol to be there in person, or by reaching out to lawmakers to share your opinions on the bill.

How You Can Participate:
Engage with Committee Members

Colorado’s legislature is a citizen legislature, which means our lawmakers are your neighbors - teachers, pediatricians, real estate professionals, healthcare workers, and a diverse array of backgrounds and life experience. Just like us. Reaching out to them is easy, and you’ll find that our lawmakers are excited to hear from constituents.

Use the button below to access the Senate Local Government & Housing Committee page where you can learn about the individual lawmakers and identify those you would like to connect with. Perhaps you’ll want to speak to the lawmaker representing your Colorado home town, or maybe one that serves in a community where you own a vacation rental.

What to Include in Emails to Lawmakers
& Tips for Public Comment

One of the most common questions we get from folks preparing to send an email to lawmakers is… what should I say? It’s easy - but be sure to make smart use of your time. Efficient, quick points are best, but storytelling is equally important.

• Always be respectful in your delivery and draft your message in a professional tone. Our lawmakers are eager to engage and will appreciate your outreach.

These same tips apply to public comment! If you intend to speak at the committee hearing either in person or via video testimony, these same recommendations will work for you.

The Introduction

Share a quick two to three sentences on who you are, where you own a vacation rental, and where you live full time. Include why you are reaching out via email (to share your concerns about HB25-1247, in this case).

The Context

Share your concerns in three to four sentences. What do you like about the bill? What do you dislike? And most important: if this bill were to pass, how would it impact you and the other businesses that are supported by your vacation rental (such as cleaning companies, hot tub service providers, snow removal companies, etc)?

The Resolution

If this bill were to move forward, how would you like to see it change? In a quick two to three sentences, offer some helpful suggestions on what would make the bill more palatable. Or, if you think the bill should be completely thrown out as it is currently written - say so

The Sign Off

Be courteous and thank the legislator for their time and effort on this legislation. Let them know you’re available to talk (if you would be interested in talking to them over the phone). And sign off with a friendly signature line.

Register for Public Comment on April 2

Public comment can be sent to the Committee in writing using the button below, or you can register now to testify in person at the Capitol or via zoom video testimony. Choose the option that works best for you and sign up today.

Written Testimony

Use the recommendations above to craft your email and send it in via the registration link. This option will deliver your remarks to all committee members and have it included within the committee hearing packet

In Person Testimony

Register using the button below, then head to the Capitol on April 2nd for the committee hearing. You’ll be seated at a table across from the Senate Committee members and will have a microphone to deliver your remarks.

Zoom Video Testimony

Can’t make it in person to the Capitol? Register for zoom video testimony, instead. This option works great if you’re not able to get away from your office for the day or if you live too far away to make the drive.

Time Limited to 2 Minutes!

All speakers will be limited to two minutes, so use your time wisely! Make your introduction short and sweet, express your position on the bill, and share your recommendations with the committee. Make it quick: two minutes goes by in the blink of an eye.