S_AGR_2022A 03/17/2022 01:30:47 PM Committee Summary

David Blach introduced himself and spoke about his background and interest in serving on the commission. Simon Martinez introduced himself and spoke about his background and interest in serving on the commission. Nick Trainor introduced himself and spoke about his background and interest in serving on the commission. Roberto Meza introduced himself and spoke about his background and interest in serving on the commission.

Senator Woodward, bill co-prime sponsor, introduced HB22-1168. The bill allows a local education provider (LEP) to offer a hunter education course as an elective to seventh grade students, as long as the LEP:

• enters into an agreement with an individual or entity to provide the course at no cost to the LEP or to the enrolled students; and
• receives gifts, grants, or private donations in an amount sufficient enough to pay any costs that arise from providing the course.

A hunter education course must satisfy the same requirements as courses certified by Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) in the Department of Natural Resources, and must be conducted by a CPW-certified instructor. The course need not include hands-on activities, but if hands-on activities are offered, students must receive parental permission to participate. The CPW may accept completion of a hunter education course at an LEP toward meeting the requirement to obtain a certificate of hunter education.

Senator Ginal, bill co-prime sponsor, gave opening comments on the bill.

The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

The bill sponsors continued to respond to questions.

The panelists continued to respond to questions.

Questions continued.

Questions continued.

Mr. Mikkel Anderson, representing Colorado Ducks Unlimited, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Griffen Mendez, representing self, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Hudson Mendez, representing self, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Wesley Mendez, representing Colorado Bowhunters Association, testified in support of the bill. Panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Dianna Orf, representing Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified to amend the bill.

 

Submitted written testimony can be found in Attachment A.

Senator Fields spoke about amendments L.006 (Attachment C), L.007 (Attachment D), and L.008 (Attachment E).

Senator Woodward and Senator Ginal gave final comments on the bill.

Committee members made final comments on the bill.

Senator Woodward, bill co-prime sponsor, introduced HB22-1022. The State Auditor completed a performance audit of the Colorado State Fair Authority (authority) in 2019. This bill includes recommendations from the audit that require legislation to implement. These recommendations include:

• clarifying that the Commissioner of Agriculture, in consultation with the authority board, will appoint and employ a manager for the authority;
• requiring the authority board to establish a process for approving industry displays; and
• allowing the authority to collaborate with a state agency or industry representative in developing an industry display.

Senator Hinrichsen, bill co-prime sponsor, gave opening comments on the bill.

Committee members made comments on the bill.

Alice Horgan read the testimony of Jordan Beezley from the Department of Agriculture, who is in support of the bill.

Senator Sonnenberg introduced and spoke about amendment L.003 (Attachment F).

Senator Coram, bill co-prime sponsor, introduced HB22-1092. Under current law, the board of directors of an irrigation district may only enter into a contract to commit payments in excess of $500,000 if the contract is first ratified at a general or special election. This bill permits a board of directors to enter into any obligation or contract to borrow money, which the irrigation district may use to issue loans to landowners to make improvements to private water delivery systems, or for other types of projects that improve water delivery, drainage, conservation, or efficiencies on landowner property. The board may not assess district land in order to raise money to issue the loans; however, the board may use other sources of money to issue loans.

Senator Bridges, bill co-prime sponsor, gave opening comments on the bill.

Dianna Orf, representing Colorado Water Congress, testified in support of the bill. Kirsten Kurath, representing Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Max Schmidt, representing Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Sheila Reiner, representing Colorado Treasurers and Public Trustee Association, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Coram spoke about amendments L.004 (Attachment G), L.005 (Attachment H), and L.006 (Attachment I).