849212489E22073587258247007DC5A8 Hearing Summary

Representative Roberts, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-005, concerning economic assistance for rural communities experiencing certain significant economic events that lead to substantial job loss in those communities. The reengrossed version of the bill requires the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) to act as the designated agency for coordinating the state's response to significant economic events in rural communities, including a plant closure or substantial layoff. The bill defines a rural community as a county with a population of less than 50,000 residents or a municipality with a population of less than 20,000, if it is not adjacent to another municipality with population of greater than 20,000.  Representative Roberts distributed a fact sheet regarding the bill [Attachment C].

Brandy Delange, Colorado Counties Inc., testified in support of the bill and responded to questions from the committee.

Amelia Myers, Conservation Colorado, read testimony from Wayne Talmond in support of the bill.

Representative Roberts responded to questions from the committee.

Andy Hill, Department of Local Affairs, testified in a neutral position on the bill and responded to questions from the committee.