S_AGR_2022A 04/21/2022 02:01:42 PM Committee Summary

Scott Stoller, General Manager, Colorado State Fair, introduced appointees to the State Fair Authority Board of Commissioners. Jeffrey Mandarich, Rene Brown, and Alexandra Hanifin introduced themselves to the committee and discussed their interest in serving on the board.

Mr. Stoller responded to committee questions about changes to the board's composition.

Kevin Rein, State Engineer, provided an overview of the Ground Water Commission and introduced the appointees to the commission. Marc Arnusch, Scott Tietmeyer, and David Keeler introduced themselves to the committee and discussed their interest in serving on the board.

Jojo La, Policy Advisor to the Environmental Boards and Commissions, Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, introduced the Water Quality Control Commission and the appointees to the board. Sonja Chavez, Jeni Arndt, and Julie Zahringer introduced themselves to the committee and discussed their interest in serving on the board.

Lauren Ris, Deputy Director, Colorado Water Conservation Board, introduced the agency and the appointees to the board. Paul Bruchez and Jessica Brody introduced themselves to the committee and discussed their interest in serving on the board.

The appointees responded to questions from the committee.

Majority Leader Moreno, sponsor, presented House Bill 22-1313 to the committee. Under current law, an agricultural employer is required to meet specific housing requirements for agricultural workers during a public health emergency. This bill clarifies that these requirements apply only during a statewide public health emergency related to COVID-19. The bill also includes alternative protections related to housing as identified by the Department of Public Health and Environment. Majority Leader Moreno responded to questions from the committee.

Mr. Jordan Beezley, representing the Colorado Department of Agriculture, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Austin Vincent, representing Colorado Farm Bureau, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Beezley and Mr. Vincent responded to questions from the committee.

Majority Leader Moreno wrapped up his presentation of the bill.

Senator Donovan, co-prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-029 to the committee. The introduced bill defines and prohibits investment water speculation; authorizes the State Engineer in the Department of Natural Resources to investigate purchases of agricultural water rights that are suspected of investment water speculation; and authorizes the Attorney General to investigate frivolous complaints of water speculation. Senator Donovan also presented a strike-below amendment, L.001 (Attachment A). Senator Coram, co-prime sponsor, further discussed the bill and amendment L.001.

Kathleen Curry, representing Grand Valley Water Users Association, Ute Water Conservancy District, and Orchard Mesa Irrigation District, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Joe Bernal, representing Grand Valley Water User’s Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Joe Frank, representing Lower South Platte Water Conservancy District, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Carlyle Currier, representing the Colorado Farm Bureau, testified on the bill.

The committee discussed amendment L.001.

Senators Coram and Donovan wrapped up their presentation of the bill.

Senator Sonnenberg laid the bill over.

Cindy Lair, representing the Colorado Department of Agriculture, testified in support of the bill.

Brett Moore, representing the Colorado Association of Conservation Districts, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Donovan explained amendment L.001.

Senator Donovan wrapped up her presentation of the bill.

Senator Donovan, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-209 to the committee. This bill requires the Commissioner of Agriculture to hire an employee or engage a contractor to help small meat processors and people trying to start a small meat processing business apply for grants and loans offered by the United States Department of Agriculture and other entities.

Committee members discussed the bill with Senator Donovan.

Mr. Jordan Beezley, representing Colorado Department of Agriculture, testified in support of the bill and responded to questions from the committee.

Senator Donovan wrapped up her presentation of the bill.