S_LG_2018A 04/10/2018 01:35:14 PM Committee Summary

Senator Coram presented Senate Bill 18-221 to the committee. This bill allows counties with a population of less than 70,000, either by board of county commissioners referendum or citizen initiative, to change the method for electing county commissioners. For counties that currently elect county commissioners by vote of the whole county, this bill allows that method to be changed to elect commissioners by district. For counties that currently elect county commissioners by district, the method can be changed to elect county commissioners by vote of the whole county. Any referred question must be submitted at least 90 days before a general election. Any citizen-initiated measure must obtain signatures from at least eight percent of the total number of voters and be submitted to the county clerk at least 90 days before the next general election. If the method of electing county commissioners is changed, the term of office for current county commissioners remains the same and the new election process will be used at the next election.

Gregg Fraser, representing the Office of Legislative Legal Services, answered committee members' questions.

Amber Pedigo, representing La Plata Liberty Coalition, testified remotely from Fort Lewis College in support of the bill.

Brad Blake, representing himself, testified remotely from Fort Lewis College in support of the bill.

Heath Rowe, representing himself, testified remotely from Fort Lewis College in support of the bill.

Judith Spady, representing herself, testified remotely from Fort Lewis College in support of the bill.

Larry Zauberis, representing himself, testified remotely from Fort Lewis College in support of the bill.

Sandy Young, representing herself, testified remotely from Fort Lewis College in support of the bill.

Sarah Ferrell, representing herself, testified remotely from Fort Lewis College in support of the bill.

Teddi Baird-Tharp, representing herself, testified remotely from Fort Lewis College in support of the bill.

Noami Dobbs, representing herself, testified remotely from Fort Lewis College in support of the bill.

Travis Oliger, representing himself, testified remotely from Fort Lewis College in support of the bill.

J. Paul Brown, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Charles Minkler, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Eric Bergman, representing Colorado Counties Incorporated, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Gregg Fraser, representing the Office of Legislative Legal Services, returned to answer committee members' questions.

Senator Martinez Humenik determined that Amendment L.001 [Attachment A] does not fit under the bill title.

Senator Coram wrapped up his presentation to the committee.

Senator Gardner requested that Senate Bill 18-190 be postponed indefinitely.