D3648EACF65E929F8725850500726DAB Hearing Summary

Senator Cooke, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 20-098 to the committee.  The bill allows credentialed individuals to gain access to otherwise closed areas during emergencies or natural disasters in order to maintain broadcasting equipment necessary to communicate with first responders and the public.  Senator Cooke responded to committee member questions.

Robert Call, representing KYGO and the Colorado Broadcasters Association, testified in support of the bill.

Brian Bledsoe, representing KKTV and the Colorado Broadcasters Association, testified in support of the bill.

Neil Best, representing Community Radio of Northern Colorado and the Colorado Broadcasters Association, testified in support of the bill.

The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Kevin Klein, representing the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, testified against the bill and responded to questions from the committee.

Justin Sasso, representing the Colorado Broadcasters Association, testified in support of the bill and responded to questions from the committee.

Senator Cooke discussed amendment L.001 (Attachment B).

Senator Cooke wrapped up his presentation of the bill. Committee members commented on the bill.