23E1BFB937D4CA0287258247007F8F9F Hearing Summary

Representative Danielson, sponsor, presented House Bill 18-1246, concerning updates to the Colorado Nursery Act.  The bill modifies the law by removing the inspection exemption for a nursery that sells stock grown and sold only in Colorado; raises the nursery stock business registration fee cap from $100 to $300 per year; authourizing the Commissioner of Agriculture to promulgate rules regarding the information to be included on lables attached to nursery stock; adding and modifying definitions; and prohibiting the sale of noxious weeds or nursery stock infected with noxious weeds.

Mitch Yergert, Colorado Department of Agriculture (CDA), testified in support of the bill and discussed the changes to the Colorado Nursery Act made by the bill. He also responded to questions from the committee.

Alex Guarce, Colorado Nursery and Greehouse Association (CNGA), testified in support of the bill.

Dan Wise, CNGA, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Yergert returned to the witness table to respond to questions from the committee regarding how the bill would impact the noxious weed board.

John Garlich, Bookcliff Vineyards, testified in support of the bill.

Brant Harrison, Kokopelli Farms, testified in support of the bill.

Dave Zach, CNGA, testified in support of the bill and stated that he supports the fee cap raise, as outlined in the bill.

Representative Danielson made concluding comments on the bill.