House Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs (03/09/2010)

Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Date:	03/09/2010	ATTENDANCE

Time:	01:33 PM to 07:49 PM	Casso	X
		Court	X
Place:	HCR 0112	DelGrosso	X
		Hullinghorst	X
This Meeting was called to order by		McCann	X
	Representative Todd	Miklosi	X
		Murray	X
This Report was prepared by		Nikkel	*
	Bo Pogue	Waller	*
		Labuda	X
		Todd	X
		X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call

Bills Addressed:		Action Taken:
SB10-031 HB10-1111 HB10-1242 HB10-1127		Referred to the Committee of the Whole Postponed Indefinitely Amended, Referred to Finance Witness Testimony and/or Committee Discussion Only

01:33 PM

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present.

01:33 PM -- Senate Bill 10-031

Representative Rice, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 10-031, concerning a prohibition against the inclusion of facilities that offer gambling-related activities in a regional tourism project for purposes of the "Colorado Regional Tourism Act." Representative Rice explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.

01:35 PM

The following person testified regarding Senate Bill 10-031:

01:35 PM -- Ms. Lois Rice, representing the Colorado Gaming Association, testified in favor of the bill, explaining the effect of the legislation.

01:36 PM


BILL:	SB10-031
TIME:	01:37:05 PM
MOVED:	Murray
MOTION:	Moved to refer Senate Bill 10-031 to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. The motion passed on a 10-0-1 roll call vote.
SECONDED:	Hullinghorst
		VOTE
	Casso	Yes
	Court	Yes
	DelGrosso	Yes
	Hullinghorst	Yes
	McCann	Yes
	Miklosi	Yes
	Murray	Yes
	Nikkel	Yes
	Waller	Absent
	Labuda	Yes
	Todd	Yes

Final YES: 10 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 1 FINAL ACTION: PASS

01:37 PM -- House Bill 10-1111

Representative Miklosi, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 10-1111, concerning the creation of low-profit limited liability companies (L3Cs). Committee members received a packet of background information on L3Cs from Representative Miklosi (Attachment A), and a collection of letters in support of the bill (Attachment B). Testimony was taken on the bill at the committee's March 4th meeting, and testimony resumed with the following persons testifying on the bill:

01:39 PM -- Ms. Caryn Capriccioso, representing herself, testified in favor of the bill. Ms. Capriccioso addressed some reservations raised about the bill during previous testimony. Ms. Capriccioso discussed the rise of the social enterprise business sector, and explained the work performed by social enterprise businesses. Ms. Capriccioso explained how creation of the L3C business entity would aid this business sector. Ms. Capriccioso responded to questions regarding the levying of property and income taxes on L3Cs under the legislation, and the attachment of such taxes to individuals joined in the L3C.

01:47 PM -- Ms. Martha Vail, representing herself, testified in favor of House Bill 10-1111. Ms. Vail discussed the attraction of working in an L3C for young entrepreneurs, and the "branding" aspects of creating the L3C entity. Ms. Vail also addressed reservations expressed with the bill during previous testimony.

01:50 PM -- Mr. Dallas Petersen, representing The Apotheosis Group, testified in favor of the bill. Mr. Petersen discussed the need for a business entity that is a hybrid between for-profit companies and nonprofit organizations, and explained how such an entity would be equipped to survive economic downturns. Mr. Petersen also discussed the economic benefits of creating the L3C entity to the state, and commented on the branding aspects of the L3C.

01:54 PM -- Mr. Geoff Blue, representing the Colorado Attorney General, testified in opposition to House Bill 10-1111. Mr. Blue explained that all the functions of an L3C can be performed under the Limited Liability Company entity, and discussed the potential for fraud under the L3C entity. Mr. Blue responded to questions regarding how the potential for L3C fraud based on the inability to determine a proper level of profit, and the ability of a medical marijuana dispensary to be registered as an L3C under the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the policing of fraud by L3Cs in states where the type of entity is allowed.

02:05 PM

Discussion ensued regarding the applicability of certain taxes to L3Cs. Discussion followed regarding the operation of early childhood centers as L3Cs in states where the entity is allowed.

02:08 PM -- Mr. Pete Gingrass, representing Futurepoint L3C, based in Wyoming, testified in favor of the bill. Mr. Gingrass discussed the work performed by his company, and explained how the company has benefitted from the L3C entity. Mr. Gingrass responded to questions regarding the ability of his company to operate as a limited liability company, and taxes applicable to the company. Discussion ensued regarding the sites worked on by his company.

02:16 PM -- Mr. Bill Callison, representing the Colorado Bar Association, testified in opposition to House Bill 10-1111. Mr. Callison discussed the origins of the L3C concept, and the inability of foundations to make program-related investments under current federal law. Mr. Callison discussed potential down sides to creating the L3C entity, and explained how current limited liability companies would be classified as L3Cs under the bill. Mr. Callison also discussed the branding aspect of creating the L3C entity, and the lack of ability to ensure those labelling their entities as L3Cs are engaged in social endeavors. Mr. Callison responded to questions regarding income and property tax ramifications for L3Cs.

02:27 PM

Mr. Callison explained the term tranched investment, and responded to questions regarding the making of program-related investments by nonprofit foundations. Mr. Callison responded to further questions regarding the willingness of the Colorado Bar Association to work on L3C issues in the future, and the ability to perform charitable work and make program-related investments while organized as a limited liability company.

02:37 PM -- Mr. Rick Zwetsch, representing himself, returned to respond to issues raised during previous testimony. Mr. Zwetsch discussed a forthcoming amendment that would require L3Cs to incorporate "low-profit limited liability company" in their names, and addressed concerns raised about the potential for fraud to be perpetrated by L3Cs. Mr. Zwetsch discussed the tax liabilities of L3Cs.

02:41 PM

Representative Miklosi explained the effect of prepared amendment L.001 (Attachment C).


BILL:	HB10-1111
TIME:	02:41:21 PM
MOVED:	Miklosi
MOTION:	Moved prepared amendment L.001 (Attachment C), as amended by prepared amendment L.003. The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Casso
		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


BILL:	HB10-1111
TIME:	02:42:22 PM
MOVED:	Miklosi
MOTION:	Moved prepared amendment L.002 (Attachment D). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Casso
		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

02:43 PM

Representative Miklosi explained the effect of prepared amendment L.003 (Attachment E). Representative Miklosi responded to questions regarding the applicability of the amendment to so-called 527 political organizations.


BILL:	HB10-1111
TIME:	02:43:05 PM
MOVED:	Miklosi
MOTION:	Moved prepared amendment L.003 (Attachment E). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Casso
		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

02:45 PM

Representative Miklosi provided closing remarks in favor of House Bill 10-1111. Committee members explained their forthcoming votes.


BILL:	HB10-1111
TIME:	02:48:46 PM
MOVED:	Miklosi
MOTION:	Moved to refer House Bill 10-1111 to the Committee of the Whole, as amended, with favorable recommendation. The motion failed on a 4-7 roll call vote.
SECONDED:	Casso
		VOTE
	Casso	Yes
	Court	No
	DelGrosso	No
	Hullinghorst	Yes
	McCann	No
	Miklosi	Yes
	Murray	No
	Nikkel	No
	Waller	No
	Labuda	No
	Todd	Yes

Not Final YES: 4 NO: 7 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL


BILL:	HB10-1111
TIME:	02:58:13 PM
MOVED:	Murray
MOTION:	Moved to Postpone Indefinitely House Bill 10-1111. The motion passed on a 6-5 roll call vote.
SECONDED:	Labuda
		VOTE
	Casso	No
	Court	No
	DelGrosso	Yes
	Hullinghorst	No
	McCann	Yes
	Miklosi	No
	Murray	Yes
	Nikkel	Yes
	Waller	Yes
	Labuda	Yes
	Todd	No

Final YES: 6 NO: 5 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


BILL:	HB10-1111
TIME:	02:58:25 PM
MOVED:	Casso
MOTION:	Moved to lay over House Bill 10-1111, as amended, to March 11, 2010. The second to the motion was withdrawn, and the motion was withdrawn.
SECONDED:
		VOTE
	Casso
	Court
	DelGrosso
	Hullinghorst
	McCann
	Miklosi
	Murray
	Nikkel
	Waller
	Labuda
	Todd

Not Final YES: 1 NO: 2 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL

03:00 PM -- House Bill 10-1242

Representative Apuan, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 10-1242, concerning the implementation of a uniform application form for individual health benefit plans by the Commissioner of Insurance. Representative Apuan explained the effect of the bill, and discussed the need for the legislation. Representative Apuan responded to questions regarding the ability of health insurance providers to request additional information of a covered individual at the time the uniform application is filed. Discussion ensued regarding health insurance industry input pertaining to the contents of the form. Representative Apuan responded to questions regarding the need to pass legislation to create a uniform application, as opposed to allowing the Commissioner of Insurance to do so through rulemaking. Discussion ensued regarding the opinion of the insurance industry on House Bill 10-1242. Discussion followed regarding the need for a safety clause in the bill.

03:08 PM

The following persons testified regarding House Bill 10-1242:

03:09 PM -- Mr. Aaron Segal, representing the Colorado Public Interest Research Group, testified in favor of the bill. Mr. Segal discussed the benefits to consumers of creating a uniform health insurance application. Mr. Segal responded to questions regarding the potential for duplicity as a result of health insurers requesting additional information from insurance applicants on additional forms.

03:12 PM -- Mr. Bob Semro, representing the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, testified in favor of House Bill 10-1242. Mr. Semro explained that a uniform insurance application already exists in the small-group market, and discussed the need for one in the individual market. Discussion ensued regarding the potential for making the uniform application an electronic application, and insurance companies in Colorado that accept electronic applications.

03:15 PM -- Mr. Ben Price, representing the Colorado Association of Health Plans, testified in favor of a forthcoming amendment to the bill. Mr. Price discussed the inconveniences experienced by health insurance applicants as a result of differing forms used by health insurers, and discussed the benefits of instituting one uniform application for the individual health insurance market. Discussion ensued regarding the potential for health insurers to institute an electronic application process. Mr. Price clarified his organization's position on the bill, and responded to questions regarding forthcoming amendment L.002 (Attachment F).

03:23 PM -- Ms. Jo Donlin, representing the Division of Insurance, testified in favor of House Bill 10-1242. Ms. Donlin discussed the benefits of the bill to consumers, and information on the form about insurance underwriting in the individual market. Ms. Donlin discussed the collaborative process that led to the bill's drafting, and addressed questions raised about electronic health insurance applications. Ms. Donlin also addressed other questions raised during earlier testimony.

03:28 PM

Representative Apuan explained the effect of prepared amendment L.002 (Attachment F).


BILL:	HB10-1242
TIME:	03:28:35 PM
MOVED:	Todd
MOTION:	Moved prepared amendment L.002 (Attachment F). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:	Hullinghorst
		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


BILL:	HB10-1242
TIME:	03:30:41 PM
MOVED:	Murray
MOTION:	Moved to strike the effective date and safety clause from House Bill 10-1242 and replace them with the referendum clause. The motion passed on a 7-4 roll call vote.
SECONDED:	Labuda
		VOTE
	Casso	No
	Court	Yes
	DelGrosso	Yes
	Hullinghorst	No
	McCann	Yes
	Miklosi	Yes
	Murray	Yes
	Nikkel	Yes
	Waller	Yes
	Labuda	No
	Todd	No

Not Final YES: 7 NO: 4 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

03:31 PM

Representative Apuan provided closing remarks in favor of House Bill 10-1242. Discussion ensued regarding the benefits of the legislation.


BILL:	HB10-1242
TIME:	03:33:01 PM
MOVED:	Todd
MOTION:	Moved to refer House Bill 10-1242, as amended, to the Committee on Finance with favorable recommendation. The motion passed on an 11-0 roll call vote.
SECONDED:	Hullinghorst
		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

03:34 PM

The committee recessed.

03:50 PM -- House Bill 10-1127

The committee returned to order. Representative McKinley, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 10-1127, concerning information to be provided to visitors at Rocky Flats. Committee members received a letter sent to the Boulder Daily Camera detailing some of the contamination at Rocky Flats (Attachment G), information from the U.S. Department of Labor website about disability claims paid to Rocky Flats workers (Attachment H), a letter to the committee in support of the bill (Attachment I), a map of the proposed wildlife refuge hiking trails at Rocky Flats (Attachment J), and wildlife signage language proposed by federal agencies and the Department of Public Health and Environment (Attachment K). Representative McKinley provided background on the Rocky Flats site and the level of plutonium contamination at the site. Representative McKinley also explained the effect of the bill. The following persons testified regarding House Bill 10-1127.

03:54 PM -- Ms. Karin McGowan and Mr. Carl Spreng, representing the Department of Public Health and Environment, testified regarding the bill. Ms. McGowan discussed a process already underway involving numerous stakeholders that will result in signage being placed at the Rocky Flats site when it is opened to the public. Mr. Spreng discussed the clean up efforts that went into turning the Rocky Flats site into a wildlife refuge. Mr. Spreng responded to questions regarding the dangers to the public associated with contamination at the site, and plutonium monitoring conducted at the site. Discussion ensued regarding a requirement in the bill that requires acknowledgement on a public advisory of illegal acts performed by the U.S. Department of Energy at the Rocky Flats site. Ms. McGowan responded to questions regarding the time line for the Rocky Flats site being opened to the public, and language adopted by the stakeholder group previously referenced.

04:05 PM

Discussion ensued regarding the time line for the Rocky Flats site being opened to the public. Discussion followed regarding the time involved and cost for cleaning up Rocky Flats. Mr. Spreng responded to questions regarding the details of the Rocky Flats cleanup, and the current condition of the soil and water at the site. Mr. Spreng responded to further questions regarding specific actions taken to mitigate the Rocky Flats site, and other contaminated sites throughout the state.

04:17 PM

Mr. Spreng responded to questions regarding the standards to which the Rocky Flats site was cleaned up, and the distance between planned public trails associated with the wildlife refuge and the former core area of production at Rocky Flats. Mr. Spreng responded to further questions regarding areas at the Rocky Flats Wildlife Refuge that will not be open to the public, and the potential for public trails to be within a zone that could be subject to airborne contaminants. Mr. Spreng then responded to questions regarding future plans for monitoring contaminants at Rocky Flats, and ownership of land in and around the Rocky Flats site.

04:27 PM

Mr. Spreng responded to questions regarding the scientific accuracy of statements contained in the public advisory required by House Bill 10-1127, and a forthcoming amendment to alter such requirements. Ms. McGowan responded to questions regarding the signs that will be placed at the site in the absence of the requirements of the bill, and the parties that will pay for such signage.

04:34 PM -- Ms. Jeanette Hillery, representing the Colorado League of Women Voters, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Hillery explained that jurisdiction for placing signage at the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge resides with the federal government, and potential liability to the state as a result of the bill. Ms. Hillery responded to questions regarding stakeholder groups that meet on issues related to the Rocky Flats site.

04:39 PM -- Mr. Clark Johnson, representing the City of Arvada, testified in opposition to House Bill 10-1127. Mr. Johnson said Rocky Flats is safe for visitors, and discussed the position of the Rocky Flats Stewardship Council on the bill. Mr. Johnson explained that there will be signs at the Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge in the absence of the bill, and discussed the language that will appear on these signs. Mr. Johnson discussed the status of the wildlife refuge, and the reasons for closing certain areas at the site to the public. Mr. Johnson discussed the contamination status of water on the site, and objected to placing language requirements for signage at the site in state law. Mr. Johnson suggested that the bill offers no solutions to any contamination worries at Rocky Flats, and discussed plans for charging fees to visit the wildlife refuge.

04:47 PM

A video was screened pertaining to the Rocky Flats site.

04:53 PM -- Mr. Jon Lipsky, representing himself, testified in favor of the bill. Mr. Lipsky explained that, while working as an agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, he led the raid on Rocky Flats that resulted in a grand jury investigation. Another video was screened, and Mr. Lipsky provided commentary on the video.

05:04 PM

Mr. Lipsky continued to provide commentary for the video. Mr. Lipsky responded to questions regarding the contamination that occurred in areas to be included in the public visitation areas at Rocky Flats. Mr. Lipsky responded to questions regarding his opinion of House Bill 10-1127, and signage language proposed by the Rocky Mountain Stewardship Council. Mr. Lipsky responded to further questions regarding the cessation of contaminant monitoring at Rocky Flats in recent years.

05:14 PM

Discussion ensued regarding the potential for collaborating with the federal government to craft language for signage at the Rocky Flats Wildlife Refuge.

05:16 PM -- Ms. ShiAnn Zimmerman, representing herself, testified in support of House Bill 10-1127. Ms. Zimmerman discussed her exposure to contaminants from Rocky Flats while growing up in the area. Ms. Zimmerman also discussed illnesses suffered by those who grew up with her in Arvada, and discussed the importance of notifying the public of the contamination that took place at Rocky Flats. Ms. Zimmerman gave her opinion on signage language proposed by the federal government for the site.

05:22 PM -- Ms. Judy Padilla, representing Rocky Flats workers, testified in favor of the bill. Ms. Padilla discussed her work at Rocky Flats, and the production processes that took place at Rocky Flats. Ms. Padilla discussed the hazards associated with the work performed at Rocky Flats, and provided a brief history of the plant and associated health concerns. Ms. Padilla expressed concerns with public exposure to contaminants at Rocky Flats, and provided her personal story of contracting cancer. Ms. Padilla also discussed her husband's health issues.

05:32 PM

Ms. Padilla continued to express objections to turning the Rocky Flats site into a wildlife refuge, and expressed support for the bill. Ms. Padilla responded to questions regarding her worker's compensation determination.

05:36 PM -- Ms. Lisa Morzel, representing herself, testified in favor of House Bill 10-1127. Ms. Morzel discussed signage language for the Rocky Flats Wildlife Refuge proposed by the federal government and stakeholder groups, and the purpose of the signage. Ms. Morzel discussed the process by which the proposed language is being crafted, and explained the process by which certain features at Rocky Flats were razed. Ms. Morzel explained how animals and natural processes are continuously stirring the soil at Rocky Flats, and discussed efforts to mitigate movement of certain geographic features. Ms. Morzel responded to questions regarding the sufficiency of language proposed for signage in House Bill 10-1127 and associated amendments.

05:47 PM

Ms. Morzel responded to questions regarding the sufficiency of the Rocky Flats Wildlife Refuge signage proposed by the federal government, and points of language agreement between the federal government and stakeholder groups. Ms. Morzel briefed the committee on the potential for contamination of lands outside the core area at Rocky Flats, including areas in the proposed wildlife refuge. Ms. Morzel responded to questions regarding optimal placement of signs and notices at the Rocky Flats Wildlife Refuge. Discussion ensued regarding the scope of plutonium contamination in and around the Rocky Flats site during and after cleanup.

05:56 PM -- Dr. David Silver, representing himself, testified in favor of House Bill 10-1127. Dr. Silver discussed the dangers of the plutonium contamination levels at Rocky Flats, and the ability of plutonium to become airborne across ranges that may encompass the distance between contaminated areas at Rocky Flats and the proposed public areas. Dr. Silver discussed the importance of informing the public of potential dangers at the wildlife refuge, and spoke in favor of the language in the bill. Dr. Silver said Physicians for Social Responsibility also supports the language. Discussion ensued regarding studies on animal health in the Rocky Flats area.

06:06 PM

Dr. Silver responded to questions regarding the dangers of plutonium, and signage language proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

06:11 PM -- Dr. Harvey Nichols, representing himself, testified in favor of the bill. Dr. Nichols discussed his research at Rocky Flats, and plutonium contamination that occurred at the site during its active years. Dr. Nichols also discussed studies measuring the levels of plutonium contamination, and plutonium levels that persist at the site. Dr. Nichols discussed the dangers to the public posed by opening areas at Rocky Flats to the public as a wildlife refuge, and the need to inform the public of contamination that took place at the site. Dr. Nichols provided his impressions of various proposals for signage language at the Rocky Flats Wildlife Refuge.

06:24 PM

Discussion ensued regarding the sufficiency of the proposed signage language in House Bill 10-1127, in light of the alleged dangers associated with Rocky Flats. Discussion followed regarding the time line for the Rocky Flats cleanup, and efforts to clean up certain areas outside the core Rocky Flats production area. Dr. Nichols responded to questions regarding the desirability of closing Rocky Flats to public visitation. Discussion turned to the plutonium-associated danger levels in the proposed public access areas. Dr. Nichols explained that acceptable exposure levels for plutonium are continually being revised downward.

06:34 PM

Dr. Nichols discussed the potential for the public to track contaminated soil into their homes after visiting the Rocky Flats Wildlife Refuge.

06:38 PM -- Mr. Lessie Steve Britton, representing retired Rocky Flats workers, testified in favor of the bill. Mr. Britton related his health problems associated with working at Rocky Flats, and expressed his desire to have Rocky Flats closed to public access. Mr. Britton discussed the ramifications of notifying the public of contamination at Rocky Flats.

06:43 PM -- Mr. Jerry Harden, representing sick workers of Rocky Flats, testified in favor of House Bill 10-1127. Mr. Harden discussed his work at Rocky Flats, and the response of federal agencies to health concerns raised by workers at the facility. Mr. Harden discussed certain events that took place at Rocky Flats that resulted in contamination, and efforts to clean up the area. Mr. Harden discussed the contamination and quarantine of areas adjacent to Rocky Flats, and expressed opposition to any development at the Rocky Flats site.

06:53 PM -- Mr. Ron DiGiorgio, representing Rocky Flats workers, testified in favor of the bill. Mr. DiGiorgio discussed dangers associated with Rocky Flats contamination, and the need for signage to warn the public of dangers associated with such contamination.

06:55 PM -- Ms. Esther Cook, representing herself, testified in favor of House Bill 10-1127. Ms. Cook discussed the dangers of plutonium radiation, and the need for public notice pertaining to contamination at Rocky Flats.

06:58 PM -- Dr. LeRoy Moore, representing the Rocky Mountain Peace and Justice Center, testified in favor of the bill. Dr. Moore discussed cleanup efforts at Rocky Flats, and the public opinion of both the Rocky Flats cleanup agreement and the opening of lands at Rocky Flats to the public. Dr. Moore discussed the benefits of placing informative signage at the proposed wildlife refuge. Dr. Moore discussed the contamination levels at Rocky Flats as a result of the cleanup efforts.

07:08 PM -- Ms. Anne Fenerty, representing herself, testified in favor of House Bill 10-1127. Ms. Fenerty discussed the contamination that remains in the industrial area at Rocky Flats, and the opinion of the League of Women Voters on the bill. Ms. Fenerty then discussed the relative dangers of plutonium.

07:13 PM

The committee recessed.

07:21 PM

The committee returned to order.

07:22 PM -- Dr. W. Gale Biggs, representing WGBA, testified in favor of House Bill 10-1127. Committee members received a packet of slides in association with Dr. Biggs' slide show (Attachment L). Dr. Biggs provided his background as it pertains to Rocky Flats, and discussed the sources of plutonium emissions at Rocky Flats. Dr. Biggs also discussed how system failures at the site resulted in unknown concentrations of plutonium emissions.

07:35 PM

Dr. Biggs continued with his slide presentation, discussing the unknown quantity of plutonium emissions and resulting potential health risks. Dr. Biggs responded to questions regarding the impact of plutonium stack emissions on current Rocky Flats site contamination. Dr. Biggs explained how plutonium particles multiply due to fracturing, and weighed in on the need for the type of signage contemplated in House Bill 10-1127. Dr. Biggs then provided his opinion of Rocky Flats Wildlife Refuge signage language proposed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Representative Todd read this proposed language into the record.

07:46 PM

Discussion continued regarding the signage language proposed by the federal government.

07:49 PM

The committee adjourned.