S_LG_2016A 02/09/2016 03:00:48 PM Committee Summary

03:01 PM -- SB 16-063



Senator Roberts, prime-sponsor, discussed the provisions of Senate Bill 16-063 concerning intergovernmental agreements with out-of-state entities. She also distributed Amendment L.006 (Attachment A) that expands liability protections to special districts and certain fire districts. It also removes provisions pertaining to airport authorities. The bill authorizes Colorado local governments to enter into an agreement with local governments in a bordering state to provide emergency services. Such agreements must comply with the statutory requirements for intergovernmental agreements. The bill grants immunity for persons performing emergency services under such agreements. Any liability that accrues under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act for persons from another state performing duties in Colorado are imposed on the Colorado local government that is a party to the agreement. If the Governor declares an emergency and activates the Emergency Management Assistance Compact, any provision of the agreement that conflicts with the compact is void. The bill also specifies that the Public Airport Authority Act does not limit the authority of a municipality or county to enter into an intergovernmental agreement to operate an airport without creating an airport authority.



160209 AttachA.pdf



The following persons testified on the bill.



03:08 PM -- Eric Bergman, Colorado Counties, Inc., and Colorado Municipal League, spoke in support of the bill and distributed a handout on the bill (Attachment B). Mr. Bergman also distributed a letter of support for the bill from the La Plata Board of County Commissioners (Attachment C).



160209 AttachB.pdf160209 AttachC.pdf





03:16 PM -- Paul Cooke, Director, Division of Fire Prevention and Control in the Department of Public Safety, spoke in support of the bill and discussed the threat of wildland fires in Colorado.



03:18 PM -- Tim Dienst, Emergency Medical Services Association of Colorado, spoke in support of the bill.



03:21 PM



The chair closed testimony and Senator Roberts closed her remarks on the bill.

03:24 PM -- SB 16-081



Senator Donovan, prime sponsor, discussed the provisions of Senate Bill 16-115 that creates the Rural Economic Emergency Assistance Grant Program in the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). She also distributed Amendment L.001 (Attachment D), Amendment L.002 (Attachment E), and Amendment L.004 (Attachment F). The program makes grants available for rural communities experiencing a significant economic event, such as a plant closure or layoff, that has a quantifiable impact on unemployment within the community. The bill also creates the Rural Economic Emergency Assistance Grant Fund (grant fund) and directs the State Treasurer to transfer $2.0 million from the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund to the grant fund on July 1, 2016. The grant fund may also receive gifts, grants, and donations. Unexpended money, including interest earnings, remains in the grant fund.



160209 AttachD.pdf160209 AttachE.pdf160209 AttachF.pdf



03:27 PM



Senator Martinez Humenik distributed Amendment L.006 (Attachment G) and discussed it provisions.



160209 AttachG.pdf



03:35 PM



Senator Donovan commented on Amendment L.006 and continued to discuss SB 16-115 and how it would be implemented by the Colorado Department of Local Affairs.



03:42 PM



Jennifer Berman, Office of Legislative Legal Services, discussed the provisions of Amendment L.006 and how it would affect rural communities. She also responded to questions from the committee about the amendment.



The following persons testified on the bill:



03:47 PM -- Dianne Criswell, Colorado Municipal League, spoke in support of the bill.



03:50 PM -- Nicholas Colglazier, Colorado Competitive Council, spoke in support of the bill and responded to questions from the committee about factors affecting the competitiveness of Colorado businesses.



04:05 PM



The chair closed testimony and Senator Donovan closed her remarks on the bill.





04:05 PM



Senator Donovan submitted letters of support for the bill from:

T.E. (Tobe) Allumbaugh, Chairman, Crowley County Board of County Commissioners (Attachment H);

Eagle County Board of County Commissioners (Attachment I);

Stuart Sanderson, President, Colorado Mining Association (Attachment J);

Delta County Board of County Commissioners (Attachment K).



160209 AttachH.pdf160209 AttachI.pdf160209 AttachJ.pdf160209 AttachK.pdf

04:12 PM



The committee discussed the bill, as amended, and Senator Donovan responded to questions about how the bill may be implemented.

04:17 PM



The committee adjourned.