H_ALW_2022A 04/04/2022 01:35:56 PM Committee Summary

Representative McCormick, bill co-prime sponsor, introduced HB22-1316. The bill appropriates a total of $17,080,000 from the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) Construction Fund in the Department of Natural Resources to the CWCB and the Division of Water Resources for specified water-related projects. In addition, the bill transfers $3.0 million between water-related cash funds and authorizes the CWCB to loan up to $13,130,000 from the CWCB Construction Fund to the town of Breckenridge to rehabilitate the Goose Pasture Tarn dam.

Representative Catlin, bill co-prime sponsor, gave opening comments on the bill.

Lauren Ris, representing CWCB, testified in support of the bill. Kirk Russell, representing CWCB, testified in a neutral position on the bill. Rod Lenz, representing Republican River Water Conservation District, testified in support of the bill. Barbara Biggs, representing Colorado Water Congress and Colorado Special Districts Association, testified in support of the bill. The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Questions from the committee continued.

Representative McCormick and Representative Catlin gave final comments on the bill.

Committee members gave final comments on the bill.

The committee took a brief recess.

The committee reconvened.

Representative McCormick, bill co-prime sponsor, introduced HB22-1313. Under current law, an agricultural employer is required to meet specific housing requirements for agricultural workers during a public health emergency. This bill clarifies that these requirements apply only during a statewide public health emergency related to COVID-19. The bill also includes alternative protections related to housing as identified by the Department of Public Health and Environment.

Representative Caraveo, bill co-prime sponsor, gave opening comments on the bill.

The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Mr. Jordan Beezley, representing Colorado Department of Agriculture, testified in support of the bill. Scott Moss, representing Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, was available to answer committee questions. Mr. Austin Vincent, representing Colorado Farm Bureau, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Diana Herrero, representing Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, testified in support of the bill. Harrison Topp, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Herrero and Mr. Topp responded to questions from the committee.

Landon Gates, representing Colorado Wheatgrowers Association, testified in support of the bill.

Representative McCormick spoke about amendment L.001 (Attachment A).

Committee members asked questions about the amendment.

Representative McCormick and Representative Caraveo gave final comments on the bill.

Committee members made final comments on the bill.

Representative McCormick, bill sponsor, introduced HB22-1308. This bill creates the Agricultural Workforce Services Program in the Department of Agriculture. The program consists of an online resource portal for agricultural employees and employers and a grant program for workplace improvements or changes to comply with labor and workplace standards.

The bill sponsor responded to questions from the committee.

Mr. Jordan Beezley, representing Colorado Department of Agriculture, testified in support of the bill. Kathleen Curry, representing Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, testified to amend the bill. Mr. Dan Waldvogle, representing Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, testified in support of the bill and distributed a fact sheet to the committee members (Attachment B). Mr. Waldvolge and Mr. Beezley responded to questions from the committee.

Mr. Austin Vincent, representing Colorado Farm Bureau, testified to amend the bill. Mr. Kyler Brown, representing self, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Vincent responded to questions from the committee.

Representative McCormick spoke about amendment L.001 (Attachment C).

Representative McCormick gave final comments on the bill.

Committee members made final comments on the bill.