S_AGR_2024A 03/07/2024 01:37:37 PM Committee Summary

Michael Cunningham, Division Director, Division of Reclamation, Mining, and Safety, Colorado Department of Natural Resources, introduced the Coal Mine Board of Examiners and appointee Hugh "Vince" Cowan. Mr. Cowan introduced himself to the committee and discussed his interest in serving on the board. He responded to questions from the committee.

Committee discussion on the appointees continued.

Todd Inglee, Brand Commissioner, Colorado Department of Agriculture, introduced himself and the Brand Inspection Division. He introduced appointees Steven Wooten and Natalie "Jody" Rogers. Mr. Wooten and Ms. Rogers introduced themselves to the committee and discussed their interest in serving on the board. Committee members commented on the appointments.

The committee recessed.

The committee reconvened. Senator Cutter, sponsor, presented House Bill 24-1155. The bill makes technical changes to statutes related to the local and state response to wildland fires.

Director Mike Morgan, representing the Division of Fire Prevention and Control (DFPC), Colorado Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill. Vaughn Jones, representing DFPC, testified in support of the bill. Director Kevin Klein, representing the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, testified in support of the bill and discussed amendment L.001 (Attachment A). Jeremy Schupbach, representing Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Mark Novak, representing Colorado State Fire Chiefs, testified in support of the bill.

Director Morgan and Director Klein responded to questions from the committee.

Senator Cutter presented amendment L.001.

Senator Cutter wrapped up her presentation of the bill.

Senator Simpson and Senator Roberts, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 24-152. For tax years 2024 through 2028, the bill creates a refundable state income tax credit for qualified food and beverage retailers who purchase agricultural commodities from Colorado-based agricultural producers practicing regenerative agriculture.

Tyler Garrett, representing Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Rebekah Hernandez, representing Colorado Restaurant Association, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Erin Meschke, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Tomek Barc, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Sabra O'Crotty, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Saguache County Commissioner Tom McCracken, representing Counties & Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT), testified in support of the bill. Ms. Alexis Bauer, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Bryan Reed, representing Colorado Mesa University, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Nick Allan, representing Western Colorado Alliance, testified in support of the bill. Cynthia James Stewart, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Kasey Weingarten, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Senators Roberts
and Simpson wrapped up their presentation of the bill.



Additional written
testimony is available as Attachment B.