S_LG_2020A 02/04/2020 02:04:52 PM Committee Summary

The committee was called order. All members were present. Ms. Ruth Aponte and Ms. Summer Laws, representing Counties and Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT), briefed the committee on its function, and provided an overview of its legislative agenda for the 2020 session. Discussion ensued regarding the difference between CCAT and Colorado Counties, Inc.

Senators Fenberg and Coram, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 20-018, concerning programs to reduce wildfire risk through outreach to people experiencing homelessness. Senator Fenberg explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Senator Coram provided additional input on the bill.

Mr. Chris Piper, representing Denver Water, testified in support of SB 20-018. He discussed the impact of forest fires on water supplies. Reverend Hansen Wendlandt, representing NICHE, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Coram moved amendment L.001 (Attachment A). Discussion ensued regarding the effect of the amendment.

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order.

Senators Woodward and Ginal, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 20-106, concerning the ability of homeless youth to consent to shelter or shelter services. The sponsors explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Discussion ensued regarding licensure for facilities that provide services to the homeless population, and how law enforcement accommodates homeless youth. Senator Woodward noted a forthcoming amendment.

Jana Ramchander, representing Thompson School District, testified in favor of SB 20-106. Kim Akeley-Cherron, representing Thompson Education Foundation, testified in support of the bill.

Miriam Estrada, representing Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Darcy McClure, representing the Loveland Housing Authority, testified in support of SB 20-106. She discussed efforts to operate housing for youth in Loveland. Ms. McClure responded to questions regarding parental notification associated with services provided to youth.

Trevor Williams, representing the Department of Human Services, made himself available to answer questions. Mr. Williams responded to questions regarding the types of issues that lead to teen homelessness. Discussion ensued on this point. Ms. Akeley-Cherron returned to provide input on this issue.

Senator Woodward explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment B).

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Discussion ensued regarding waiting on action for the bill to work on amendments. Representative Williams laid over SB 20-106.

Senator Donovan, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 20-010, concerning a repeal of the local government regulation of plastics. Senator Donovan explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Senator Donovan responded to questions regarding the ability of a local government to police the importation of plastic goods from other jurisdictions. Senator Donovan responded to further questions regarding the creation of a patchwork of local regulations by the bill, and potential impacts of the bill on certain stakeholders. Discussion ensued regarding the potential for a statewide ban on certain types of plastic products.

Ms. Heidi Henkel, representing Broomfield, testified in support of SB 20-010. She discussed the environmental impact of plastics.

Jeff Jensen, representing Larimer County, testified in opposition to the bill.

Kendra Black, representing the Denver City Coucil and the Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of SB 20-010. Jolon Clark, representing Denver City Council, testified in support of the bill.

Brandy Moe, representing Recycle Colorado, testified in support of SB 20-010. Dorothy Jones, representing the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, testified in opposition to the bill. Jonathan Greenspan, representing WECAN, testified in support of the bill. Kara Mertz, representing the City of Boulder, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the tension between local control and industry's desire for uniformity among laws governing plastic packaging. Ms. Moe responded to questions regarding differing product needs among disparate local governments. Mr. Greenspan responded to questions regarding local control of marijuana retail. Discussion followed regarding the ability to recycle various materials.

Madhvi Chittoor, representing herself, testified in support of SB 20-010. DeLanie Young, representing Telluride, testified in support of the bill. Peggy LaPointe, representing the League of Women Voters, testified in support of the bill. Kate Bailey, representing Ecocycle, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Bailey responded to questions regarding how her organization recycles yoga mats.

Sara Smith-Hynes, representing Avon, testified in support of SB 20-010. Eric Heil, representing Avon, testified in support of the bill. Alexandra Haymons, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Thomas LaPoint, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Andrea Wilkins, representing the League of Women Voters, testified in support of SB 20-010.

Nick Phillips, representing the Inland Ocean Coalition and Where do Butts Go, testified in support of the bill.

Rebekah Hernandez, representing Conservation Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Morgan Cullen, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill.

Chris Howes, representing the Colorado Retail Council, testified in opposition to SB 20-010.

Nick Hoover, representing the Colorado Restaurant Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Emily Roberts, representing the Colorado Bioscience Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Doug Coleman, representing the Colorado Association of Medical Equipment Services, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Coleman responded to questions regarding how a local government might exert control over the use of plastic medical devices. Discussion ensued regarding the development of products that advance biodegradation of plastics. Discussion followed regarding the potential for stakeholders to come together on a solution for the regulation of plastics.

Hannah Collazo, representing Environment Colorado, testified in support of SB 20-010. Lindsay Stovall, representing the American Chemistry Council, testified in opposition to the bill. Jan Douglas, representing the Sierra Club, testified in support of the bill. Danny Katz, representing COPIRG, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the potential impact of SB 20-010 on plastic medical devices. Discussion followed regarding the use of plastics in agriculture and other areas.

Melissa Young, representing the Inland Ocean Coalition, testified in support of SB 20-010.

J.J. Trout, representing Golden, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Donovan provided closing remarks in support of SB 20-010. Senator Donovan entered some written testimony into the record (Attachment C). The committee discussed some potential amendments to the bill in future phases of the bill.