(Denver) –A bill enhancing tourism in local communities and supported by business groups passed with bipartisan support today on a 9 to 2 vote in the local government committee.

HB12-1056, authored by Rep. Andy Kerr (D-Lakewood), would strengthen the previously passed Colorado Regional Tourism Act of 2009 to clarify roles and expectations of those involved in the Regional Tourism Authority process.  The bill is intended to encourage more out-of-state tourism and would require the Colorado Tourism Director to provide input on tourism projects in the state.

This bill would provide clarity to economic developers and ultimately help create jobs across Colorado by giving cities and counties the ability to be creative and launch projects.

Testifying in support of the bill were Ken Lund, Executive Director of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade; Erick Scheminske, Deputy Director of the Office of State Planning and Budgeting; and Christine O’Donnell, President of the Colorado Hotel & Lodging Association.

Rep. A. Kerr said he was happy to receive such bipartisan support and is looking forward to presenting the bill to the Appropriations Committee.

"This bill is about creating jobs," Rep. A. Kerr said. "It will clarify what’s in statute and provide certainty to economic developers around the state. The bar should be set high on how we spend our taxpayer dollars and proposed projects should be unique and innovative. This bill will ensure just that."