h_bus_2016a_2016-02-25t13:36:44z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/25/2016

01:43 PM -- HB 16-1197



Representative Carver and Representative Melton, co-sponsors, introduced House Bill 16-1197. The bill requires each state agency that certifies, licenses, or registers an occupation to:

• publish a summary of pathways available to military veterans by evaluating the extent to which military training meets state requirements, identifying reciprocity mechanisms in other states, and determining if occupational examinations are available that authorize a veteran to practice;
• consult with community colleges and other post-secondary education institutions about courses or programs that fill the gap between military and civilian occupational training, and refresher courses for lapsed occupational training; and
• consider adopting a national credentialing examination.

State agencies may consult with any federal or state military official or agency, state agency, or post-secondary educational institution to determine how to best implement the requirements of the bill. The bill also provides state agencies with an implementation schedule. State agencies that authorize more than 10 occupations must implement as follows: 25 percent by 2018, 50 percent by 2020, and in total by 2022. For state agencies that authorize less than 10 occupations: 50 percent by 2018, and in total by 2020. Agencies are required to provide an annual implementation report to the General Assembly and relevant committees of reference by June 2017, and each year thereafter until June 2023. The program repeals on 2023, following a sunset review.



The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.



01:55 PM -- Cory Everett, Department of Regulatory Agencies, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Everett responded to questions from the committee.



02:01 PM -- Frank McCurdy, United Veterans Committee, testified in support of the bill.



02:03 PM -- Jason Hopfer, Colorado Community College System, testified in support of the bill.



02:05 PM -- Shelly Kalkowski, Military Officers Association of America, testified in support of the bill.



02:09 PM -- Leanne Wheeler, United Veterans Committee, testified in support of the bill.



02:12 PM



The bill sponsors discussed amendment L.002 (Attachment B). Representative Carver also provided the committee with three letters of support for the bill (Attachments C, D, and E).



160225 AttachB.pdf160225 AttachC.pdf160225 AttachD.pdf160225 AttachE.pdf

02:16 PM



The bill sponsors made closing remarks.