Colorado House bans credit card fees on taxes, tips

The Colorado legislature has been active this week, focusing on several key issues. A significant bipartisan bill has passed in the Colorado House aimed at cutting "swipe fees.” These fees are charged by credit card companies when customers use their cards to pay for taxes or tips at restaurants and stores. The new law, House Bill 1282, would prohibit these fees on taxes and tips, which supporters say cost businesses thousands of dollars annually. Education funding has also sparked strong reactions. Teachers rallied at the Colorado State Capitol, urging lawmakers not to use K-12 funding to balance the state budget, which faces a $1.2 billion shortfall. Educators are concerned about past budget practices that diverted funds from schools. The state intends to introduce a new funding formula that allocates more money to K-12 education over the next few years. Additionally, former regulators have urged Colorado lawmakers to prioritize consumer protection as federal oversight wanes. During a legislative hearing, a fired federal commissioner shared concerns about affordability in the state’s economy. A contentious labor bill is also up for debate. Senate Bill 5 seeks to change requirements for unions negotiating dues and fees but faces opposition from the business community and Governor Jared Polis, who has hinted at a veto. State economists have confirmed a challenging budget situation, prompting lawmakers to consider further cuts to address the budget gap. They are working to finalize the budget soon, which will dictate state spending for the upcoming fiscal year. Other legislative actions include a proposal to manage wild horse populations more effectively and a bill that aims to change how federal hospital subsidies are used to lower patient costs, though it faces industry pushback. As the session progresses, several housing bills are also being debated, including one that promotes building homes on land owned by religious organizations and schools. This week reflects the growing complexity and urgency of issues facing lawmakers in Colorado.