Date: 05/01/2009

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB09-253

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND LABOR

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Moved to refer Senate Bill 09-253 to the CommitteePASS



02:17 PM -- Senate Bill 09-253

Representative Casso, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 09-253 concerning the recovery of costs for the relocation of certain utility infrastructure relocated at the request of a Colorado governmental entity. The bill expands the types of relocation costs that utilities may recover through a rate adjustment approved by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).

02:22 PM --
Cameron Graham, representing the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), testified against the bill. He talked about the current statute and the changes the bill will make. Mr. Graham responded to questions from the committee regarding the cost increase the bill may cause for consumers. He said later witnesses will be able to better answer that question.

02:30 PM --
Lynn Notarianni, representing the Public Utilities Commission, testified against the bill and distributed a handout (Attachment A). She walked the committee through the current cost recovery process. Ms. Notarianni responded to questions from the committee.

09HouseBus0501AttachA.pdf

02:47 PM --
Bill Levis, Director of the Office of Consumer Counsel, testified against the bill. He explained the differences between regulated and unregulated services. Mr. Levis said the office feels that the bill conflicts with current law and federal law. He responded to questions from the committee regarding the duties of the Office of Consumer Counsel.

02:52 PM --
John McCormick, representing Qwest and the Colorado Telecommunications Association, testified in support of the bill. He stated that Qwest desires to maximize federal funding dollars without taking money meant for other projects. Mr. McCormick described competition in the telecommunications industry and stated that Qwest recently moved to fourth place after Comcast and holds about 30 percent of the market. He discussed the amendments that were added in the Senate Business, Labor, and Technology Committee. Representative Gagliardi talked about previous legislation that was passed on this issue. Mr. McCormick responded to questions from the committee.
BILL:SB09-253
TIME: 03:21:57 PM
MOVED:Casso
MOTION:Moved to refer Senate Bill 09-253 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed 6-3.
SECONDED:Balmer
VOTE
Balmer
Yes
Bradford
Excused
Gagliardi
No
Liston
Excused
Priola
Yes
Ryden
Yes
Scanlan
Yes
Soper
Yes
Stephens
No
Casso
Yes
Rice
No
Final YES: 6 NO: 3 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS