B81EEEA096ABC2A187258526006BB1B1 Hearing Summary

Senators Cooke and Bridges, co-prime sponsors, explained House Bill 20-1229, concerning authorizing the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Board to establish a scholarship program for law enforcement agencies with limited resources to assist the agencies with the payment of tuition costs for peace officer candidates to attend an approved basic law enforcement training academy.  Senator Cooke outlined the merits of this bill, particularly for rural communities.  Senator Bridges emphasized that the bill does not increase vehicle registration fees.

Committee members asked questions about the distribution of vehicle registration fees. 

Erik Bourgerie, representing the Department of Law, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the distribution of vehicle registration fees and answered questions about POST training.

Shawn Mobley, reprsenting Otero County Sheriff's Office, testified in support of the bill. He discussed retention issues and job opportunities in rural Colorado.

Senators Cooke and Bridges distributed and explained Amendment L.005 (Attachment A), which clarifies who is eligible to receive the scholarship funds.