S_AGR_2019A 04/04/2019 01:34:27 PM Committee Summary

Senators Marble and Fenberg, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 19-220, which authorizes the Colorado Commissioner of Agriculture to submit a hemp management plan to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Senator Marble responded to committee questions.

Cindy Sovine, representing United Cannabis, testified in support of the bill.

Benjamin Waters, representing the Colorado Hemp Agricultural Advancement Guild, testified in support of the bill.

Scott Reese and Jeff Markley, representing CBeyond Health, testified in support of the bill.

Kevin Bommer, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified on the bill.

Senator Coram, co-prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 19-186, which expands the Commissioner of Agriculture's responsibility to prevent or remedy the introduction of agricultural chemicals into groundwater to include protection of all state waters.

Rob Wawrzynski, representing the Colorado Department of Agriculture, testified in support of the bill.

Kelly Sloan, representing Colorado Agriculture Aviation, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Wawrzynski responded to committee questions.

Landon Gates, representing the Colorado Cattlemen's Association, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Donovan responded to committee questions.

Senator Cooke introduced Bill Holder, who spoke in support of the bill.

Senator Donovan, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 19-221, which appropriates funds from the Colorado Water Conservation Board Construction Fund in the Department of Natural Resources for specified water-related projects in FY 2019-20.

Lauren Ris, representing the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), testified in support of the bill and responded to committee questions. Kirk Russell, CWCB, came to the table to respond to committee questions. Ms. Ris and Mr. Russell responded to additional committee questions.