H_LG_2017A 02/08/2017 Committee Summary

01:33 PM -- HB17-1128



Representative Hamner, sponsor, explained that the bill changes the salary categorization for locally elected officials in Lake County. Representative Hamner explained that Lake county cannot afford to pay their elected officials at the statutory level. She answered questions from the committee.



01:40 PM -- Eric Bergman, representing Colorado Counties, Inc., spoke in favor of the bill. He distributed a fact sheet (Attachment A) and a letter of support (Attachment B).



17HouseLocal0208AttachA.pdf 17HouseLocal0208AttachB.pdf



Representative Hamner gave closing remarks. Chairman Rosenthal delayed the vote on the bill until later in the committee hearing.

01:46 PM -- HB17-1054



Representatives Nordberg and Carver, co-sponsors, explained that the bill encourages partnerships between military installations and the communities that host them to explore areas of mutual benefit in the provision of shared services. The bill also identifies the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) as the appropriate state agency to support such partnerships through existing programs. They distributed amendment L002 (Attachment C), and answered questions from the committee. Discussion ensued regarding the role of DOLA and the success of such cooperative efforts.



17HouseLocal0208AttachC.pdf



02:01 PM -- Bruce Eisenhower, representing DOLA, spoke in favor of the bill. Mr. Eisenhower discussed the benefits of sharing state, local, and federal resources. He also answered questions from the committee.



















02:09 PM -- Greg Dorman, representing the Colorado Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, spoke in support of the bill. Mr. Dorman stated that cooperation between local communities and the military has been taking place successfully on an informal basis and indicated that the bill will help to make the practice more widespread. He answered questions from the committee.



02:14 PM -- Andy Merritt, representing Colorado Springs Chamber of Commerce, spoke in support of the bill. Mr. Merritt discussed the benefits of cooperative agreements, particularly for smaller communities. He answered questions from the committee and distributed a hand-out (Attachment D).



17HouseLocal0208AttachD.pdf



02:30 PM -- Brian Potts, representing Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments, spoke in favor of the bill.



02:33 PM -- Eric Bergman, representing Colorado Counties Inc., spoke in support of the measure.



Representatives Carver and Nordberg made closing remarks.

02:46 PM -- HB17-1123



Representatives Lebsock and Thurlow, co-sponsors of the bill, explained that current law prohibits a person licensed to sell alcohol beverages for on-premises consumption from serving alcohol beverages between the hours of 2 a.m. and 7 a.m. The bill allows a local government to extend the hours during which alcohol beverages may be sold for on-premises consumption at establishments within the local government's jurisdiction. The representatives answered questions from the committee. Discussion ensued regarding local control; the relationship of bar closing times and DUI rates; and law enforcement work load during peak bar times.



02:59 PM -- Eric Bergman, representing Colorado Counties, Inc., testified in support of the measure. Mr. Bergman explained that CCI is in favor of local control and answered questions from the committee.



03:02 PM -- Chuck Line, representing the city of Glendale, spoke in favor of the bill. Mr. Line discussed the benefits of the bill's flexibility. He answered questions from the committee about staggering law enforcement resources and experiences in Glendale.



03:14 PM -- Steven Alix and Mark Berzins, representing the Tavern League of Colorado, spoke in favor of the bill. They answered questions from the committee and explained the benefits of staggered closing times in relation to finding safe rides home.



03:24 PM -- Fran Lanzer, representing Mothers Against Drunk Driving, spoke in opposition to the bill and distributed a hand-out (Attachment E). The hand-out highlighted research supporting his position that later alcohol sales increases DUI offenses, assaults, injuries, and other related harms. He answered questions from the committee.



17HouseLocal0208AttachE.pdf



03:47 PM -- Nick Hoover, representing the Colorado Restaurant Association, spoke in opposition to the bill.



03:49 PM -- Lois Rice, representing the Colorado Gaming Association, spoke in favor of the bill. Ms. Rice spoke specifically to traffic issues in Blackhawk at closing time.



03:53 PM -- Andrew Struttmann, representing the Colorado Bar Owners Association, spoke in favor of the measure. Mr. Struttman explained that the bill levels the playing field with entertainment districts.



03:55 PM -- Kevin Bommer, representing the Colorado Municipal League, spoke in favor of the bill. Mr. Bommer expressed his support for local control and explained how the bill aligns with current liquor codes.





























04:16 PM



Representatives Lebsock and Thurlow gave closing remarks. Committee members thanked the bill's sponsors and gave reasons for their respective votes.

04:27 PM



The meeting adjourned.