H_SA_2018A 01/17/2018 01:32:27 PM Committee Summary

Representative Foote, chair, called the meeting to order. Committee members received agenda questions from the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) [Attachment A]. Representative Hamner introduced herself, other members of the JBC, and JBC staff. Representative Hamner discussed the budget for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). She highlighted issues the JBC will consider in the FY 2018-19 budget, including the Grand Junction Veterans One-Stop.

During the presentation the JBC members referenced the JBC Staff Budget Briefing Summary, which can be accessed at: http://leg.colorado.gov/publications/fy-2018-19-staff-budget-briefing-summary

Senator Lundberg discussed the budget for the Department of State (DOS). He highlighted budget items for the DOS, including IT services and increased signature verification needs.

Senator Lambert discussed potential additional JBC legislation, in particular bills addressing the Grand Junction Veterans One-Stop and DOS reimbursement to counties for election costs.

Senator Lundberg responded to a committee member question about the DOS request to increase spending for initiatives and referenda.

Representative Hamner and Senator Lambert responded to comments from the committee about the Grand Junction Veterans One-Stop. Committee discussion continued on the proposed use of a state employee to provide military identification cards at the One-Stop. Representative Hamner and Senator Lambert responded to a committee member question about cyber-security insurance, the costs of which are divided among state departments. Committee discussion returned to the Grand Junction Veterans One-Stop.

Representative Rankin sought committee input on the SMART Act hearings. Committee members discussed the value of the hearings.

Representative Young explained the JBC's interest in seeking member input early in the budget process and asked the committee how they would amend the Governor's budget request.

Senator Lambert and Representative Young responded to a committee member question about FirstNet and the state's digital trunked radio system for first responders.

Senator Moreno discussed the minimal amounts of General Fund used by DMVA and DOS and questioned the committee about whether those funds need to be increased or decreased.

Senator Lambert, Senator Lundberg, and Representative Hamner responded to comments from the committee about the use of business filing fees paid to the DOS to fund elections.

Senator Lundberg asked the committee what the members would like to take into consideration when the JBC constructs the Long Bill.

Committee members discussed the role of evidence-based budgeting with Senator Lambert. Senator Lambert commented on increased transparency in the JBC process.

Committee members commented on the elections process in the state.

Discussion ensued regarding the Long Bill process in the General Assembly.

Representative Hamner and Senator Lambert responded to a committee member question about veterans' use of U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs health services as opposed to Medicaid. Representative Hamner offered closing remarks.

Flavio Quintana, representing the Department of Revenue (DOR), and Ki'i Powell, representing the Department of Human Services (DHS), introduced themselves to the committee and provided two reports to the committee on prohibited transactions [Attachments B and C]. Mr. Quintana discussed House Bill 15-1255, which prohibited the use of electronic benefits transfers (EBT) cards at certain types of businesses. He explained DOR's rules implementing the bill. Ms. Powell described DHS's rules implementing the bill.

Mr. Quintana responded to a question about EBT card use at grocery stores that sell liquor.