HB16-1221 Summary

• Beginning fiscal year 2016-17, the general assembly must appropriate lobbying expenses and membership costs to state agencies using separate line items rather than lump-sum appropriations.

• Lobbying expenses appropriations cannot exceed 50% of what state agencies spent on lobbying in fiscal year 2015-16, and membership cost appropriations cannot exceed 50% of 2015-16 membership spending.

• State agencies are prohibited from using other appropriations to pay for lobbying expenses or membership costs.

• The general assembly must appropriate savings generated from these cuts to the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to increase Medicaid provider rates under the Colorado Medical Assistance Act.

• The law applies to principal departments in the executive branch, offices within the governor's office, and state-supported institutions of higher education.