H_RAA_2019A 02/11/2019 01:33:43 PM Committee Summary

Representative Esgar presented Senate Joint Memorial 19-001 concerning memorializing the United States Congress to fulfill the commitment of the federal government to provide funding for the Arkansas Valley Conduit Project.

Lee Miller, representing the Southeast Water Conservation District, testified in support of the memorial.

Dianna Orf, representing Colorado Water Congress, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Miller responded to committee questions.

Representative Esgar made closing remarks on the memorial.

Committee members commented on the memorial.

Representatives Esgar and Catlin presented Senate Joint Memorial 19-002 concerning memorializing the United States Congress to enact legislation directing the United States Army Corps of Engineers, in conjunction and cooperation with the Lower Arkansas Valley Water Conservancy District, to dredge a portion of the Arkansas River.

Dianna Orf, representing Colorado Water Congress, testified in support of the memorial.

Representatives Catlin and Esgar made final remarks on the memorial.

Committee members commented on the memorial.

Representatives Catlin and D. Valdez presented House Bill 19-1114.  The bill authorizes the Department of Agriculture to enforce federal food and safety regulations if federal funding is provided.  The bill increases the rulemaking workload in FY 2020-21 and ongoing state revenue and expenditures beginning in FY 2021-22.

Steve Bornmann, representing the Department of Agriculture, testified in support of the bill.  Mr Bornmann responded to committee questions.

Shawn Martini, representing the Colorado Farm Bureau, testified in support of the bill.

Robert Sakata, representing Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers, testified in support of the bill and distributed handouts [Attachments A, B, and C].

Harrison Topp, representing the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, testified in support of the bill.  Mr. Topp responded to committee questions.

Representative Catlin distributed and explained amendment L.001 [Attachment D].

Representatives D. Valdez and Catlin made closing remarks on the bill.

Committee members commented on the bill.