BB96E9447B3B7A448725882B00758FDD Hearing Summary

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.