Committee postpones Ireland trade model bill indefinitely over fiscal concerns

Representative Hartsook and co‑sponsor Representative Stewart asked the committee to postpone House Bill 11‑18, model legislation meant to facilitate trade with Ireland and the European Union, citing an unresolved fiscal note.

The sponsors said the bill, which they described as modeled in other states and designed to expand market access for Colorado businesses, had been worked on for almost a year with partners including the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Chamber of Commerce. Representative Hartsook told the committee "we would request a postponement indefinitely." Representative Stewart said she shared that request and looked forward to continuing conversations with stakeholders.

Because the fiscal‑impact estimate remained a barrier, a committee member moved that the bill be postponed indefinitely; the motion was seconded and the committee recorded a roll‑call vote of 9 yes, 0 no, with 2 members excused. The chair announced, "That bill is postponed indefinitely with a vote of 9 to 0 and 2 excused."

With the postponement, sponsors said they will continue stakeholder engagement and try to resolve the fiscal issues before seeking further consideration.