s_jud_2016a_2016-03-21t13:30:41z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/21/2016

01:30 PM -- HB16-1182



Senator Roberts, chair, called the committee to order. A quorum was present. Senator Cooke, co-prime sponsor, presented House Bill 16-1182, concerning the continuation of the Commodity Metals Theft Task Force (task force). Senator Cooke discussed the reasons for the creation of the task force and its work. He also explained specific provisions of the bill.



01:34 PM -- Mr. RJ Hicks, representing the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Hicks discussed the history of the task force, and issues that arose following the creation of the task force. He also discussed reasons to support the bill, and the groups that support the bill. He explained the goals of the task force.



01:43 PM -- Mr. Bobby Juchem, representing the Colorado State Patrol, testified in support of the bill.



01:44 PM -- Mr. Barry Springer, representing Colorado Rural Electric Association, testified in support of the bill. He discussed copper and aluminum theft, and the danger it may cause.



01:46 PM -- Mr. Michael Cohen, representing himself, testified in support of the bill, and asked for the committee's support. He responded to questions regarding the sale of copper.



01:49 PM -- Mr. Chris Johnson, representing the County Sheriffs of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



01:50 PM -- Ms. Cathy Norris, representing BNSF Railway, testified in support of the bill. She stated that the task force is used as a model in other states, and discussed issues that the bill addresses.



01:52 PM -- Ms. Ellen Graham, representing the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies, made herself available for questions. There were no questions.



Senator Heath, co-prime sponsor, provided closing remarks on the bill.