D58C12B0C2D253008725851B007E2218 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. President Garcia and Senator Ginal, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 20-1044, concerning modifications to the pension plans administered by the Fire and Police Pension Association. Senator Garcia explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Senator Ginal provided additional input on the merits of the legislation.

Meghan Dollar, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in opposition to HB 20-1044. She noted some issues with the bill, as well as a potential amendment. Mr. Eric Osterberg, representing the City of Lonetree, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Dollar responded to questions regarding the timing of her proposed amendment.  Mr. Osterberg responded to questions regarding the number of law enforcement officers in his jurisdiction.

Kerry George, representing the City of Colorado Springs, testified in opposition to HB 20-1044. Charae McDaniel, representing the City of Colorado Springs, testified in opposition to the bill. Jason Batchelor, representing the City of Aurora, testified in opposition to the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the stakeholder process for drafting the bill, and the number of police officers and firefighters in Colorado Springs and Aurora.

Kevin Lindahl, representing the Fire and Police Pension Association (FPPA), testified in support of HB 20-1044. He discussed funding cost of living allowances. Chip Weule, representing FPPA, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Weule responded to questions regarding recent cost of living allowances for first-responder pensions.

Michael Fraidier, representing Colorado Professional Fire Fighters, testified in support of HB 20-1044. Michael Valdez, representing the Special District Association, testified in support of the bill. Don Lombardi, representing the West Metro Fire Protection District and Colorado State Fire Chiefs, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the retirement age of first responders under the bill, and the ability of firefighters to seek a second career after retiring.

Dennis Valentine, representing AARP, testified in support of HB 20-1044. Tyson Worrell, representing the Denver Police Department, the Denver Police Protective Association, and the FPPA, testified in support of the bill. Bill Clayton, representing the Colorado Police Protective Association and Colorado State Fire Chiefs, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Clayton addressed questions raised during earlier testimony.

Sophia San Miguel, representing herself, testified on HB 20-1044 from a neutral position.

President Garcia and Senator Ginal provided closing remarks in support of HB 20-1044. Various committee members expressed their positions on the bill.