h_tra_2017a_2017-04-19t13:33:53z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 04/19/2017

Location: HCR 0112

01:44 PM -- HB 17-1323



Representative Esgar introduced House Bill 17-1323. The bill makes several requirements of the PUC in the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) related to ethics. The bill creates a position of an independent ombudsman for ethics in the PUC, to be paid from the Fixed and Telecommunications Utilities Funds. Additionally, the bill requires the PUC to adopt rules that set forth PUC policy on conflicts of interest, incompatible activities, and limitations on ex parte communications, and require the meetings, conferences, and programs that commissioners and staff may attend to be consistent with these rules. In addition, the PUC director may authorize PUC employees to undertake training and development opportunities. Finally, the bill requires the PUC director to keep a record of PUC proceedings, and to post audio recordings and other official records as required by law online for public access.



Representative Esgar distributed a handout to the committee (Attachment A). She answered several committee questions. She distributed amendments L.001 (Attachment B), L.002 (Attachment C), and L.003 (Attachment D).





170419 AttachA.pdf

170419 AttachB.pdf170419 AttachC.pdf170419 AttachD.pdf



01:58 PM -- Ms. Erin Reynolds, Legislative Council Staff, came to the table to answer a committee question regarding amendment L.003.



02:00 PM -- Ms. Amy Cooke, representing the Independence Institute, testified in support of the bill.



02:04 PM -- Ms. Anne Stattelman, representing Posada, testified in support of the bill.



02:08 PM -- Mr. Vince Calvano, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.



02:12 PM -- Mr. Chris Markuson, representing Pueblo County, testified in support of the bill.

02:19 PM



Representative Esgar gave some closing remarks on the bill.