S_FIN_2019A 04/11/2019 01:01:16 PM Committee Summary

Senators Williams and Priola, bill sponsors, introduced House Bill 19-1138.  The bill enables a vehicle owner to recoup a prorated portion of the specific ownership tax as a tax credit.

Senator Rodriguez, bill sponsor, introduced Senate Bill 19-156.  The bill implements the recommendations in the sunset report for the State Electrical Board.

The bill sponsor described amendments L.004 and L.005 (Attachments A and B, respectively).

The bill sponsor responded to a question from the committee regarding the time until the next sunset review.

Senators Bridges and Marble, bill sponsors, introduced Senate Bill 19-191.  The bill creates rights for defendants related to release on bond.  The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee regarding amendments to the bill.

Tim Lane, Colorado District Attorneys Council, testified against the bill.

Richard Orf, Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified against the bill.

Mr. Orf and Mr. Lane responded to questions from the committee regarding the fiscal impact on counties if the bill passed, public safety, and the fiscal impact on county jails.  The witnesses responded to further questions regarding staffing implications.

Denise Maes, ACLU of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Rebecca Wallace, ACLU of Colorado, testified in support of the bill and distributed a handout regarding jail population (Attachment C).

Elisabeth Epps, Colorado Freedom Fund, testified in support of the bill.

The witnesses responded to questions from the committee regarding Attachment C, legal liability to governments in the status quo, and potential savings to jails.

Senator Lee described amendment L.010 (Attachment D).

Senator Priola, bill sponsor, introduced Senate Bill 19-008.  The bill makes changes to the treatment of substance use disorders in the criminal justice system.  The bill sponsor responded to questions from the committee regarding the bill's fiscal impact.

Cristen Bates, Colorado Department of Human Services, responded to questions from the committee regarding the financial and staffing costs associated with the bill.  Erin Reynolds, Legislative Council Staff, also responded to questions regarding the bill's fiscal impact.

Senator Todd, bill sponsor, introduced Senate Bill 19-198.  The bill temporarily raises the state's waste tire fee and recreates the end users fund.  Senator Coram, bill sponsor, also commented.