CF4309D402CCA5F68725823C00664050 Hearing Summary

Senators Donovan and Scott, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 18-167. The bill makes changes to the state's utility notification system ( Colorado 811) in order to support increased enforcement related to the excavation of underground facilities. They distributed a letter from the U.S. Department of Transportation asking the state to consider changing current law [Attachment A].

Senator Donovan walked the committee through the bill and spoke about amendment L.001 [Attachment B].

Paul Danley, representing the Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority, testified in opposition to the bill due to concerns about the additional costs.

Andrew Kuster, representing the Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority, testified in opposition to the bill.

Edward Krisor, representing the Southeast Metro Stormwater Authority, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Danley responded to questions from the committee about the additional costs associated with the bill. Mr. Kuster also responded to committee questions.

Kathy Kitzman, representing Aurora Water, testified in opposition to the bill.

Eric Bergman, representing Colorado Counties, Inc., testified in opposition to the bill without an exemption for county road maintenance.

Chris Piper, representing Denver Water, testified in opposition to the bill without a municipality exemption from the provisions concerning the enforcement commission.

Mr. Bergman responded to questions about the grading of county roads. Mr. Piper and Ms. Kitzman also responded to committee questions.

Dale Miller, representing the Colorado Association of Road Supervisors and Engineers, testified from a neutral position on the bill.

Morgan Cullen, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified from a neutral position on the bill.

Evan Goulding, representing the Special District Association of Colorado, testified from a neutral position on the bill.

Kara Miller, representing the Colorado Association of Municipal Utilities, testified in opposition to the bill without amendment L.002 [Attachment C]. She listed the organizations that support the amendment. Senators Donovan and Scott commented about their position on the amendment.

Committee discussion continued about the need for amendment L.002. Tom Morris, representing the Office of Legislative Legal Services, came to the table to discuss his office's position on the need for L.002.

Marilen Reimer, representing the American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado, testified in support of the bill with the adoption of amendment L.001.

Corey Biddle, representing Cardno, testified in support of the bill with the adoption of amendment L.001.

Brad Vitale, representing Xcel Energy, testified in support of the bill.

Jeff Rumer, representing Underground Infrastructure Technologies, testified in support of the bill.

Carlyle Currier, representing the Colorado Farm Bureau, testified in support of the bill.

Shelly Dornick, representing Colorado 811, testified in support of the bill.

Jim Cole, representing the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, testified in support of the bill.

Kerry Hackenburg, representing the Colorado Petroleum Council, testified in support of the bill with the adoption of amendment L.001.

Senators Donovan and Scott wrapped up their presentation of the bill and asked for a favorable recommendation. Both senators praised the stakeholder process.

Members of the committee commented about their positions on the bill.