H_LG_2018A 04/25/2018 02:02:22 PM Committee Summary

Representatives Liston and Valdez presented House Bill 18-1423 to the committee, distributed three handouts and Amendment L.002 [Attachments A, B, C and D]. Under current law, the Division of Fire Prevention and Control in the Department of Public Safety (DPS) uses money in the Local Firefighter Safety and Disease Prevention Cash Fund to provide grants for equipment and training that increase firefighter safety and help prevent occupation-related diseases. This bill expands the allowable uses of the cash fund to include grants to rural special fire protection districts to replace or refurbish equipment. The bill transfers $500,000 from the General Fund to the cash fund specifically for these local fire protection district grants.

Repersentatives Liston and Valdez answered committee members' questions.

Dennis Eulberg, representing Colorado Professional Fire Fighters, testified against the bill.

Michael Valdez, representing the Special District Association, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Liston moved and explained L.002.

Representative Gray distributed L.001 and moved it as a substitute to L.002 [Attachment E].

Representative Singer determined that L.001 does fit under the bill title.

Representatives Liston and Valdez wrapped up their presentation to the committee.

Representatives Thurlow and Exum presented Senate Bill 18-039 to the committee, along with Amendment L.002 [Attachment F]. Under current law, the Wildfire Matters Review Committee (WMRC) is repealed on July 1, 2018. This bill continues the committee until September 1, 2025, and repeals obsolete provisions related to the committee.

Mike Morgan, representing the Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill.

Gini Pingenot, representing Colorado Counties Incorporated, testified in support of the bill.

Representatives Thurlow and Exum wrapped up their presentation to the committee.