H_RAA_2020A 02/10/2020 01:32:13 PM Committee Summary

Minority Leader Neville, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 20-1146 to the committee.  The bill modifies the process for donating a conservation easement and requires the creation of a publically accessible map and database of conservation easements.  Representative Neville responded to committee questions.

Jim Guire, representing himself, testified remotely from Grand Junction, in support of the bill and responded to committee questions.

Erik Glenn, representing the HB 1264 working group, testified in opposition to the bill.  Melissa Daruna, representing Keep it Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.  Alan Gentz, representing the HB 1264 working group, testified on the bill.  The panel responded to committee questions.

Mack Louden, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.  Emily Ibach, representing the Colorado Farm Bureau, testified in opposition to the bill.  The panel responded to committee questions.

Minority Leader Neville made final remarks on the bill.  Committee members commented on the bill.

Representatives Roberts and Catlin, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 20-1159.  The bill requires that when a claim of water use that predates an instream flow appropriation is made, the State Engineer confirm the extent of the claimed use.

Zane Kessler, representing the Colorado River District, testified in support of the bill.  Terry Fankhauser, representing the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, testified in support of the bill.  Kathleen Curry, representing the Grand Valley Water Users Association, testified in support of the bill.  The panel responded to committee questions.

Kevin Rein, State Engineer, testified on the bill and responded to committee questions.  Jordan Beezley, representing the Department of Agriculture, testified in support of the bill.

Representatives Roberts and Catlin made final remarks on the bill.  Committee members commented on the bill.

Representatives McCluskie and Carver, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 20-1057 to the committee.  The bill modifies the Forest Restoration and Wildfire Risk Mitigation Grant Program by allowing more grant funding to projects located in areas with fewer economic resources; expanding the list of eligible recipients; and extending the repeal date.  Representatives McCluskie and Carver responded to committee questions and distributed handouts (Attachments A and B).

David Wolf, representing Estes Valley Fire, testified in support of the bill.  Susan Matthews, representing the Colorado State Forest Service, testified on the bill.  Chris Piper, representing Denver Water, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Carver distributed and discussed Amendments L.004 and L.005 (Attachments C and D).

Representatives McCluskie and Carver made final remarks. Committee members commented on the bill.