H_AGR_2018A 05/07/2018 01:17:04 PM Committee Summary

Representative Arndt presented Senate Bill 18-245, concerning the repeal of the prohibition on the state board of health adopting rules concerning the disposal of naturally occurring radioactive materials until after the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has adopted rules conerning the disposal of naturally occurring materials.

Pat Ratliff, Colorado Water Congress, testified in support of the bill.

Jim Cole, Colorado Oil and Gas Association, testified in support of the bill.

Brock Herzberg, Colorado Petroleum Council, testified in support of the bill.

Chris Piper, Denver Water, testified in support of the bill.

Sarah Mercer, Metro Wastewater, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Ken Lykens, Centennial Water and Sanitation District, testified in support of the bill.

Jennifer Opila, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Arndt made concluding comments on the bill.

Representatives Saine and Melton, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 18-275, concerning the ability of seaplanes to operate in Colorado.  The bill requires Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) to conduct two stakeholder processes and develop a report on allowing seaplanes access to two lakes at state parks.  Representative Melton distribtued a fact sheet regarding the bill. [Attachment A]

Representatives Melton and Saine responded to questions from the committee regarding the bill.

Donna Brosemer, Greeley Water and Colorado Water Congress, testified in opposition to the bill and discussed her concerns about seaplanes spreading aquatic nuisance species.

Chris Piper, Denver Water, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Brosemer and Mr. Piper responded to questions from the committee regarding the use of seaplanes in wildfire mitigation and committee discussion ensued.

Representative Melton responded to questions from the committee regarding the definition of "emergency."

Doug Vilsack, Department of Natural Resources, testified in support of the bill and discussed the use of seaplanes in the state. He stated that seaplanes are landing at two bodies of water in the state, but are not able to land in state parks. Mr. Vilsack also addressed the use of seaplanes in wildfire mitigation, and stated that DNR includes wildfires in the term "emergency." Mr. Vilsack responded to questions from the committee regarding the bill. Mr. VIlsack discussed state parks that would be eligible for seaplane landings and the importance of putting inspection procedures for seaplanes in place.

Kelly Sloan, Colorado Seaplane Initiative and Colorado Agriculture Aviation Association, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Sloan responded to questions from the committee and stated that seaplanes are not required to submit flight plans. Mr. Sloan also responded to questions regarding support for the bill and the process to inspect seaplanes for aquatic nuisance species.

Representative Pabon, presented Senate Bill 18-271, concerning changes to improve funding for marijuana research. Subjec to the rules of the Marijuana Enforcement Division in the Department of Revenue (DOR), the bill allows a marijuana research license to share premises with a commonly owned marijuana infused products manufacturer under certain conditions. The bill also continues the medical marijuana research grant program until July 1, 2023, and increases ongoing state revenue and expenditures. Representative Pabon distributed Amendment L.003 [Attachment B].

Representative Pabon made concluding comments on the bill.