h_tra_2016a_2016-03-02t13:31:10z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/02/2016

01:31 PM



Representative Tyler, chair, called the meeting to order.



01:32 PM -- SB 16-055



Representative Moreno, prime sponsor, came to the table to present Senate Bill 16-055. Current law allows cooperative electric associations (CEAs) to exempt themselves from regulation by the Colorado Public Utilities Commission (PUC) in the Department of Regulatory Agencies and operate solely under the control of their elected board of directors. CEAs can contract with an independent third party to collect and count the ballots for board elections. Mailed ballots must include a secrecy sleeve or inner envelope and must be mailed directly to the CEA.



This bill allows ballots to be mailed directly to the third party and states that a mail ballot sent in a signed envelope without the secrecy sleeve or inner envelope is valid and must be counted. The third party is required to deliver the ballots to the CEA under seal promptly after the count. Upon request of any candidate, the ballots must be made available to the candidate for inspection.



01:34 PM -- Troy Whitmore, representing United Power, Inc., testified in support of the bill. Mr. Whitmore responded to a question from the committee.

01:40 PM -- Jaclyn Terwey, representing the Intermountain Rural Electric Association, testified in support of the bill.



01:43 PM



Representative Moreno made his closing comments on the bill.