s_sa_2017a_2017-03-01t13:34:38z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/01/2017

Location: SCR 357

01:34 PM -- HB17-1154



Senator Todd, sponsor, presented House Bill 17-1154 to the committee. The bill requires that the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) establish an international sister-state relationship program by June 30, 2018. A sister-state is a formal declaration of friendship between two regions, states, or nations, and does not create any legal relationship. The bill defines a state as a province, prefecture, administrative district, or county, or other political boundary that includes one or more cities or towns. The program will foster relationships between the state of Colorado and states in other countries in order to promote economic growth, trade, and investment opportunities; maximize collaboration and information sharing; provide a forum for goodwill and cooperation between elected leaders; and facilitate mutually beneficial social, economic, educational, and cultural exchange. OEDIT will serve as a conduit between the state and the designated leader of each sister state.



Senator Todd gave committee members an example of Denver Sister Cities International programming (Attachment A).



17SenateState0301AttachA.pdf



01:45 PM -- Beth Hendrix, representing Denver Sister Cities International, testified in support of the bill.



01:48 PM -- Simon Maghakyan, representing the Armenian National Committee of America, Colorado Chapter, testified in support of the bill.





01:50 PM



Senator Todd wrapped up her presentation of the bill.