H_SA_2018A 05/03/2018 11:30:46 AM Committee Summary

Representative Foote explained that testimony on Senate Concurrent Resolution 18-004 and Senate Concurrent Resolution 18-005 would be taken at the same time and then each resolultion would be voted on seperately.

Representative Duran and Representative Neville, co-prime resolution sponsors, presented SCR 18-004 and SCR 18-005.  Each state is granted representatives in the U.S. Congress based on the state's share of the total U.S. population.  Every ten years following the U.S. census, the state's congressional districts must be redrawn so that each district has equal population.  Currently in Colorado, the General Assembly is responsible for dividing the state into seven congressional districts.  SCR 18-004 refers a measure to the voters to amend the Colorado constitution to establish the Independent Congressional Redistricting Commission and requires the commission to create a congressional redistricting plan, thus removing this responsibility from the General Assembly.

 

Under current law, the Colorado Reapportionment Commission must create and approve a legislative district plan for the Colorado House of Representatives and Colorado State Senate.  SCR 18-005 refers a measure to the voters to amend the Colorado Constitution to replace the current Reapportionment Commission with the Independent Legislative Redistricting Commission.

Toni Larson, League of Women Voters of Colorado, testified in support of SCR 18-004 and SCR 18-005.

Mike Kopp, Colorado Concern, testified in support of SCR18-004 and SCR18-005.

John Zakhem, representing himself, testified in support of the SCR 18-004 and SCR 18-005. He discussed amendment L.002 to SCR18-005 [Attachment A]. Mr. Zakhem answered questions from the committee.

Amanda Gonzalez, Colorado Common Cause, testified in support of SCR 18-004 and SCR 18-005.

Mark Grueskin, Citizens for Integrity, testified in support of SCR 18-004 and SCR 18-005. He answered questions from the committee.

Representative Duran responded to committee member questions. Committee discussion with Mr. Grueskin ensued.

Emily Ibach, Colorado Farm Bureau, testified in support of SCR 18-004 and SCR 18-005.

Dianna Orf, Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified in support of SCR 18-004 and SCR 18-005.

Representative Duran and Representative Neville made concluding remarks about SCR 18-004 and SCR 18-005.

Committee members commented on the SCR 18-004.

Representative Sandridge, bill sponsor, presented SB 18-236.  Current law requires that the Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) analyze whether to begin (sunrise review) or continue (sunset review) the regulation of a profession or occupation based on several factors.  The bill requires DORA to presume that consumers are sufficiently protected by market competition and private remedies, and to create occupational regulations only where the department finds credible evidence of a present, significant, and substantiated harm to consumers.  

 

The bill creates guidelines for DORA to follow when making recommendations to address harm arising from contractual disputes; fraud; unclean facilities or general health and safety issues; a provider's failure to meet contractual obligations or standards; protecting individuals who are not a party to a contract; providers not located in state; and consumer guidance.  The bill further requires DORA to recommend only the least restrictive regulation necessary to address the harm.

Marilen Reimer, American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. She answered questions from the committee.

Dick Carpenter, Institute for Justice, testified in support of the bill. He answered questions from the committee.

Ben Railsback, National Society of Professional Engineers, testified in opposition to the bill. He answered questions from the committee.

Carl Larson, National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, testified in support of the bill.

Dianna Orf, Colorado Dental Hygienists' Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Charlie Katebi, Heartland Institute, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Sandridge made concluding remarks about the bill. Committee members commented on the bill.

Representative Lundeen, bill sponsor, presented SB 18-043. The bill specifies that when the Senate rejects a Governor's nominee for state office, that individual is deemed "legally unfit" and the Governor cannot nominate the rejected individual to the same office for a second time. If a nominee is rejected for reappointment, the individual is removed from office once his or her term is up and cannot exercise the duties of the office, even if a replacement has not been named. The rejected individual is eligible to be nominated or reappointed when a new Senate convenes for its first regular session and can be appointed to the office following the day when the new Senate adjourns its first regular session.

 

Representative Lundeen answered questions from the committee.

The committee made comments regarding the bill. Representative Lundeen responded to questions from the committee.

Representative Leonard, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-242. The bill requires a person swearing an oath of office for a public office or position to do so by swearing by the everliving God and to do so with an uplifted hand.

Representative Leonard responded to questions from the committee.

Representative Leonard made concluding remarks regarding the bill.  The committee members commented on the bill.