DENVER—Colorado Republicans lawmakers rejected a proposal directing the state to compile existing data to help entrepreneurs create a mobile phone app showing locally own businesses.
The proposal was watered down from its initial form in the Senate, where it passed with only Democratic support. In its original form, businesses would pay the state $10 to be listed in a database. A state office would create the app.
Democratic Rep. Dan Pabon carried the bill in the House and changed it so the state would simply compile existing information in a downloadable form and post it on a website. It would be up to the private sector whether to create an app.
Pabon says the proposal sought to provide government transparency and support innovation. Republicans argued it duplicates what the private sector is already doing.
