S_FIN_2021A 04/28/2021 01:35:30 PM Committee Summary

Sen. Gonzales introduced House Bill 21-1216. The bill allows medical marijuana cultivation facilities and product manufacturers to receive marijuana from a co-located retail facility and change the marijuana’s designation from retail to medical. Sen. Gonzales discussed several amendments and answered several committee questions.

Mr. Kirk Hamm, representing WTJ Family Enterprises, LLC, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Andrew Heaton, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Jeff Willoughby, representing Willoughby Enterprises LLC - Medical Marijuana Infused Products Manufacturer, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Jared Penman, representing RiNo Supply Co, Inc., testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Joe Megyesy, representing Good Chemistry, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Nico Pento, representing Terrapin, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Kevin Gallagher, representing Colorado Cannabis Manufacturers Association, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Colin Mudd, representing Medically Correct, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Shannon Fender, representing Native Roots Cannabis Co., testified in support of the bill.

Sens. Fields and Kirkmeyer introduced House Bill 21-1227. The bill updates the Medicaid certification process for nursing homes.

Sens. Kolker and Simpson introduced Senate Bill 21-154. The bill creates the 988 Crisis Hotline Center which will be operated by a non-profit organization. The sponsors answered several committee questions.

Mr. Kevin Neimond, representing Colorado Department of Human Services, testified to amend the bill. Mr. Robert Werthwein, representing Colorado Department of Human Services, Office of Behavioral Health, testified to amend the bill.

Mr. Gerry Keegan, representing CTIA, testified to amend the bill.

Additional written comments may be found in Attachment D.

Ms. Erin Overturf, representing Western Resource Advocates, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Ariana Gonzalez, representing NRDC, testified in support of the bill. Councilwoman Melissa Youssef, representing City of Durango, testified in support of the bill. Commissioner Keith Baker, representing Chaffee County, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Jack Ihle, representing Xcel Energy, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Sara Blackhurst, representing Action 22, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Carrie Hackenberger, representing American Petroleum Institute Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Alyssa Clemsen Roberts, representing Platte River Power Authority, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Gary Arnold, representing Rocky Mountain Pipe Trades District Council #5, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Andy Berger, representing Tri-State Generation & Transmission, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Stan Dempsey, representing Colorado Mining Association, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. John Jacus, representing the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Scott Prestidge, representing Colorado Oil & Gas Association, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Michael Harrington, representing Black Hills Energy, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dr. Brent Goodlet, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Jamie Valdez, representing Mothers Out Front, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Duncan Gilchrist, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Patty Sullivan, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Michael Ruddock, representing Healthy Air and Water Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Pegah Jalali, representing Colorado Fiscal Institute, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Shaina Oliver, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Steve Douglas, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Westy Davis, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Kristi Douglas, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Matt Gerhart, representing the Sierra Club, testified in support of the bill.

Sens. Winter and Moreno gave some closing remarks.