S_FIN_2019A 04/18/2019 11:53:41 AM Committee Summary

Senator Fenberg, bill sponsor, introduced Senate Bill 19-236.  The bill continues the Public Utilities Commission. Senator Garcia, bill sponsor, also commented.

The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee regarding staff required for the program and the makeup of the commission.  Erin Reynolds, Legislative Council Staff, also responded.

Bill sponsors made closing comments on the bill.

Senators Gonzales and Hill, bill sponsors, introduced House Bill 19-1090.  The bill allows cannabis companies to be publicly traded.  The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Jim Burack, Department of Revenue, testified in support of the bill.

Dominique Mendiola, Department of Revenue, testified in support of the bill.

Kristi Kelly, Marijuana Industry Group, testified in support of the bill.

Dean Heizer, LivWell Enlightened Health, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Mendiola responded to questions from the committee regarding the bill's impact on reducing illegal actors in the marijuana industry.  Mr. Burack also responded.  The department staff responded to further questions from the committee.

Randy Tiffey, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, testified against the bill.

Jim Hammons, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, testified against the bill.

Jordan Wellington, Vicente Sederberg and VS Strategies, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding safety conditions in the cannabis industry.

Shannon Fender, Native Roots Dispensary, testified in support of the bill.

Andy Williams, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Williams responded to questions from the committee regarding labor conditions in his businesses and payroll. Ms. Fender also responded.

The bill sponsors made closing comments on the bill.

Committee members made closing comments on the bill.