House passes bill that helps businesses with filing process | Business

The House of Representatives passed the CLEAR Act today, with bipartisan support.

House Bill 1002, or the Creating Level Expectations for Application Review Act, ensures that the rules governing an application filed with a state agency stay in place for the duration of that application’s review. Currently, such rules can change after an application has been filed, forcing applicants to withdraw their original filing and submit a new one. State Rep. Jerry Sonnenberg is sponsoring the measure.

“This bill’s passage should reassure all business owners that the legislature is in tune with their needs and expectations,” said Sonnenberg, R-Sterling. “We heard from the business community about their troubles with re-filings and the costs associated with them. This bill aims to eliminate such burdens”

The CLEAR Act is one of a number of bills House Republicans have introduced this year that was conceived from the input they received on their Building a Better Colorado Tour. Sonnenberg’s bill joins other Republican-sponsored measures that focus on clearing away barriers to business so that Colorado’s economic recovery can continue.

“The passage of the CLEAR Act by the House demonstrates that Colorado is committed to a regulatory permitting process that is consistent and predictable,” said Bill Hammerich, of the Colorado Livestock Association. “Those who conduct business here in Colorado in a timely and efficient manner can now expect the same from government.”

The CLEAR Act now moves to the Senate for approval.

Press Release