Bill Summary for Bill Number SB10-087

Date: 03/25/2010

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB10-087

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Votes: View-->	Action Taken:
Moved prepared amendment L.004 (Attachment F). Th Moved to refer Senate Bill 10-087, as amended, to	Pass Without Objection PASS

11:43 AM -- Senate Bill 10-087

Representative Liston, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 10-087, concerning the authority of the Secretary of State in connection with the regulation of lobbyists. Committee members received a fact sheet in support of the bill (Attachment E). Representative Liston explained the effect of the bill and forthcoming amendments. Representative Liston responded to questions regarding the regulation of volunteer lobbyists, and the need to change lobbyist disclosure laws. Discussion ensued regarding the effect of prepared amendment L.004 (Attachment F), and the delineation under the amendment between lobbyists and citizens expressing concerns to legislators pertaining to pending legislation.

11:53 AM

The following persons testified regarding Senate Bill 10-087:

11:54 AM -- Ms. Sheryle Hutter, representing the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, suggested removal of a section of the bill pertaining to volunteer lobbyists, explaining that the section may stifle expression due to registration difficulties. Ms. Hutter addressed the issue of when those expressing views are considered lobbyists, and discussed the burdens that may be placed on the Department of State in connection with registration of volunteer lobbyists. Ms. Hutter responded to questions regarding current reporting requirements for volunteer lobbyists, and criminal background checks for lobbyists. Ms. Hutter clarified her position on registration requirements for volunteer lobbyists, and the effect of the bill as it pertains to background checks for lobbyists. Ms. Hutter reiterated the reasons the bill will inhibit volunteer lobbyists' participation in the legislative process.

12:03 PM -- Mr. Richard Coolidge, representing the Secretary of State, testified in favor of Senate Bill 10-087. Mr. Coolidge provided background on the fee structure for lobbyist registration under the bill in conjunction with amendment L.004, and addressed the treatment of volunteer lobbyist registration by the bill. Mr. Coolidge also explained that there are about 100 registered volunteer lobbyists per legislative session. Mr. Coolidge responded to questions regarding the definition of volunteer lobbyist, and the classification of those who testify before the General Assembly on legislation but do not represent others. Discussion ensued on this point. Mr. Coolidge responded to questions regarding the ability of volunteer lobbyists to fill out a paper registration form under amendment L.004. Discussion followed regarding objections to the bill pertaining to volunteer lobbyists as expressed by Ms. Hutter.

12:14 PM

Discussion continued regarding provisions in the bill pertaining to registration of lobbyists with the Secretary of State, and the potential for volunteer lobbyists to register using both written and electronic forms. Mr. Bob Lackner, representing the Office of Legislative Legal Services, provided clarification regarding the ability to amend Senate Bill 10-087 to allow volunteer lobbyists to register using a paper form.

12:24 PM

Discussion continued regarding the potential for amending the bill to allow volunteer lobbyists to register on a written form instead of electronically. Discussion followed regarding further amending the bill to more easily facilitate expressions before the General Assembly by those not registered as lobbyists. Mr. Lackner provided clarification regarding this point.

12:31 PM


BILL:	SB10-087
TIME:	12:31:20 PM
MOVED:	Todd
MOTION:	Moved prepared amendment L.004 (Attachment F). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Labuda
		VOTE
	Casso
	Court
	DelGrosso
	Hullinghorst
	McCann
	Miklosi
	Murray
	Nikkel
	Waller
	Labuda
	Todd

Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection

12:31 PM


BILL:	SB10-087
TIME:	12:32:18 PM
MOVED:	Court
MOTION:	Moved to refer Senate Bill 10-087, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations with favorable recommendation. The motion passed on an 11-0 roll call vote.
SECONDED:	Nikkel
		VOTE
	Casso	Yes
	Court	Yes
	DelGrosso	Yes
	Hullinghorst	Yes
	McCann	Yes
	Miklosi	Yes
	Murray	Yes
	Nikkel	Yes
	Waller	Yes
	Labuda	Yes
	Todd	Yes

Final YES: 11 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS