H_LG_2018A 03/21/2018 01:34:09 PM Committee Summary

Representatives McKean and Rosenthal presented House Bill 18-1292. The bill creates the State Access to Resources and Training (START) Grant Program in the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to provide public safety, social services, and nonprofit agencies with funding to provide assistance personnel and to develop community-centered services to persons experiencing homelessness. Grants cannot be used for direct assistance to persons experiencing homelessness. DOLA must create rules, procedures, and timelines for the grant application process. By March 15, 2019, DOLA must select and award grant funding, subject to available appropriations, to between 5 and 10 organizations of up to $25,000 per recipient. The bill allows Marijuana Tax Cash Fund moneys to be appropriated for the grant program. Grant recipients must report on the use of grant funds to DOLA by December 1, 2020, and DOLA must present the results of the grant program to its legislative oversight committee of reference at the start of the 2021 session. The START Grant Program is repealed on June 30, 2021.

Representative McKean presented a video to the committee.

Alison George, representing DOLA, testified in a neutral capacity.

Robert Ticer, representing the City of Loveland Police Department, testified in support of the bill.

Gloria Magrum, representing House of Neighborly Service, testified in support of the bill.

Juanita Montoya, representing Servicios de la Raza, testified in support of the bill.

Rudy Gonzales, representing Servicios de la Raza, testified in support of the bill.

Adam Borg, representing the Adams County Board of Commissioners, testified in support of the bill.

Todd Jorgensen, representing Denver Human Services, testified in support of the bill.

Kevin Kelly, representing Denver Day Works, testified in support of the bill.

Marcus Ritosa, representing Denver Day Works, testified in support of the bill.

Joe Sarr, representing himself, testified in a neutral capacity.

Meghan Dollar, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill.

Representatives Rosenthal and McKean wrapped up their presentation to the committee.