S_SA_2022A 02/22/2022 02:29:18 PM Committee Summary

Greg Dorman, Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, introduced the appointees to the Colorado Board of Veterans Affairs. Longinos Gonzalez explained his military background and experience, and his interest in serving on the Board. Sean Maday discussed his background and experience with the committee and explained his interest in serving on the Board. Mr. Gonzalez and Mr. Maday's appointment letters may be found in the State Archives.

The committee commented on the appointments.

Senator Kirkmeyer, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-112. Current law specifies the process by which the state makes emergency procurements, including that emergency procurements must be made with competition as is practicable under the circumstances, and that a written determination of the basis for the emergency and selection of the contractor must be included in the contract file. The bill replaces these requirements, specifying that an emergency procurement requires three informal bids, and for an emergency procurement that exceeds $150,000, the contract file must include specific written information.

The bill sponsor responded to committee questions.

Director Kevin Klein, representing DHSEM and Colorado Department of Transportation, testified in opposition to the bill. Michael McReynolds, representing Office of Information Technology, testified in opposition to the bill. The witness panel responded to committee questions.

The bill sponsor gave closing comments. Committee members commented on the bill.

Senator Woodward, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-118. The bill modifies certain statutory provisions that apply to solar energy so that they also apply to geothermal energy systems. It also directs the Colorado Energy Office to develop basic consumer education materials about leased and purchased geothermal installations.

The bill sponsor responded to committee questions.

Senator Gonzales proceeded with witness testimony on the bill.

Jaclyn Terwey, representing Colorado Municipal League, testified in opposition to the bill. Steve Szabo, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill. The witness panel responded to committee questions.

The bill sponsor commented on the bill and amendments.

The chair laid the bill over for action.

Senator Lundeen, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-123. The bill exempts vehicle owners from any fines and fees related to improperly registering and titling their vehicles between January 1, 2021 and January 1, 2023.

The bill sponsor responded to committee questions.

Senator Gonzales proceeded with witness testimony on the bill.

David Cardella, representing self, testified in a neutral position on the bill. Adam Wilms, representing Division of Motor Vehicles, Department of Revenue, was available to answer committee questions. Meghan MacKillop, representing Colorado Municipal League, testified in opposition to the bill.

The bill sponsor commented on the bill and possible amendments.

The chair laid the bill over for action.

Senator Sonnenberg
presented Senate Bill 22-125. The bill authorizes county public hospitals
and health services districts, and their respective affiliates, to engage
in certain collaborative activities.

Senator Sonnenberg
requested that the bill be postponed indefinitely.  

Senator Donovan, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-104. The bill requires the inclusion of tribal governments as partners in state operations and as recipients of local government grant programs, where applicable. Legislative Council Staff and the Commission on Indian Affairs must prepare specified reports.

The bill sponsor responded to committee questions.

Senator Donovan, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-105. The bill requires that the Senate President and the Speaker of the House of Representatives annually invite the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and the Southern Ute Indian Tribe to address a joint session of the General Assembly.

No witnesses testified on the bill.

Senator Cooke, bill
sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-129. The bill modifies certain procedures
of the rulemaking process in the Air Quality Control Commission in the
Department of Public Health and Environment.

Amendment L.001
was distributed (Attachment A).

Senator Gonzales proceeded with witness testimony on the bill.

Andrew Forkes-Gudmundson, representing League of Oil and Gas Impacted Coloradans, testified in opposition to the bill. Fred Malo, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill. Wayne Quade, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Leslie Robinson, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill. Matthew Gerhart, representing Sierra Club, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dan Haley, representing Colorado Oil & Gas Association, testified in support of the bill. Eric Waeckerlin, representing Occidental Petroleum, testified in support of the bill. Angela Zivkovich, representing Occidental, testified in support of the bill. The witness panel responded to committee questions.

Jeremy Neustifter, representing Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, was available to answer committee questions.

The bill sponsor discussed an amendment.

The bill sponsor gave closing remarks. Committee members commented on the bill.