A4D39FBEA1923DC8872583E0006DEC27 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representatives Buckner and Buenello, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 19-135, concerning methods to determine whether disparities involving certain historically underutilized businesses exist within the state procurement process, and, in connection therewith, commissioning a study to make such determination, and requiring the Department of Personnel to track contracts awarded to historically underutilized businesses. Representative Buckner explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Buentello provided additional remarks in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the tracking of demographic information associated with certain types of public contracts, and disparity studies.

The following persons testified regarding SB 19-135:

Dr. Sameer Bawa, representing BBC Research, testified in support of the bill. He discussed disparity studies conducted by his firm, and the merits of the bill.

Mr. Michael Gifford, representing Associated General Contractors and the Colorado Contractors Association, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Gifford addressed earlier testimony.

Mr. Phil Hayes, representing the IBEW, NECA, and UA, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Ariel Hammerquist, Legislative Council Staff, responded to questions regarding the fiscal impact of the bill, and the analysis undertaken to assess the fiscal analysis.  Mr. Bill Zepernick, Legislative Council Staff, provided input on the fiscal note. Discussion ensued regarding the cost of the bill. Dr. Bawa discussed the cost of a typical disparity study. Discussion followed regarding certain jurisprudence impacting public contracting. Discussion returned to disparity studies. Dr. Bawa responded to questions regarding a 2011 Denver disparity study.

Ms. Zoey DeWolf, representing the Colorado Bankers Association, testified in support of SB 19-135.

No amendments were offered to SB 19-135. Representative Buentello provided closing remarks in support of the bill. The committee discussed the merits of the legislation.