Bill To Create A Local Business App Passes Senate

DENVER (AP) - Senate Democrats approved a measure to create a smartphone application that shows Colorado locally owned businesses.

The bill moved from the Senate to the Republican-controlled House Monday on a party-line vote with Democrats voting in favor. Republicans argue the proposal duplicates what the private sector is already doing.

Democrats say that while there are apps that show nearby businesses, there's nothing shows locally owned businesses.

Businesses that want to be listed would pay a $10 annual fee. The state's Economic Development and International Trade office would create an online database of locally owned business by Jan. 1, 2014, and also develop the app for smartphones.

Democrats say the measure would encourage investment in local economies.

LINK: Senate Bill 143

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