Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Date:02/24/2014
ATTENDANCE
Time:01:30 PM to 03:45 PM
Conti
*
Dore
E
Place:LSB A
Foote
*
Humphrey
X
This Meeting was called to order by
Labuda
X
Representative Ryden
Melton
X
Moreno
X
This Report was prepared by
Nordberg
X
Jessika Shipley
Williams
X
Salazar
X
Ryden
X
X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
Bills Addressed: Action Taken:
HB14-1141
HB14-1197
HB14-1198		Amended, Referred to the Committee of the Whole
Postponed Indefinitely
Postponed Indefinitely


01:31 PM -- HB14-1141

Representative Coram, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 14-1141. The bill amends an existing Colorado law within the Colorado Consumer Protection Act (CCPA) concerning the confidentiality of an individual's social security number (SSN). Under the bill, an organization may not make disclosure of an individual's SSN a condition to serve as an unpaid member of the organization's board of directors. The bill also adopts language from federal law that:

Finally, the bill clarifies that it does not apply to patient information subject to the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Representative Coram distributed and explained the purpose of amendment L.001 (Attachment A). He responded to questions from the committee about the bill.

14HseState0224AttachA.pdf14HseState0224AttachA.pdf








01:40 PM -- Todd Jorgensen, representing the Department of Human Services, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Jorgensen explained the work of the Office of Economic Security, and spoke about why programs administered by the office need to take SSNs per federal law or state rule or law. The department requires SSNs to determine eligibility for a variety of entitlement and assistance programs. He responded to questions from the committee. He indicated that amendment L.001 would most likely alleviate most of his concerns about the bill, but that he would need more time to look at it carefully. He continued to respond to questions from the committee.

01:49 PM -- Jeanne Smith, representing the Department of Public Safety, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Smith indicated that members of many boards and commissions are reimbursed for mileage and expenses, which requires the department to collect SSNs in order to issue checks.

01:52 PM -- Richard Harding, representing the Montrose Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Harding spoke about his work as a volunteer trustee. He discussed due process of law, illegal searches and seizures, and federal privacy law. He talked about what the bill does and does not do.

01:59 PM -- Reed Mitchell, representing the Montrose Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Mitchell provided information about his background as a trustee. He talked about the requirement to provide his SSN prior to beginning his duties as a trustee. He expressed his opinion that the previous board of trustees had mismanaged funds.

02:03 PM -- Commissioner David White, representing the Montrose County Board of Commissioners, testified in support of the bill. Commissioner White discussed the background checks required by the board of county commissioners prior to appointing individuals to various boards and commissions and indicated that the checks are conducted without asking for those individuals' SSNs.


02:06 PM

Representative Coram two read letters of support for the bill (Attachments B and C).

14HseState0224AttachB.pdf14HseState0224AttachB.pdf14HseState0224AttachC.pdf14HseState0224AttachC.pdf




















BILL:HB14-1141
TIME: 02:08:30 PM
MOVED:Nordberg
MOTION:Adopt amendment L.001 (Attachment A). The motion passed on a vote of 7-2, with 2 excused.
SECONDED:Conti
VOTE
Conti
Yes
Dore
Excused
Foote
Yes
Humphrey
Yes
Labuda
No
Melton
No
Moreno
Yes
Nordberg
Yes
Williams
Yes
Salazar
Yes
Ryden
Excused
YES: 7 NO: 2 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

































02:09 PM

Representative Coram wrapped up his presentation of the bill and asked for a favorable recommendation.
BILL:HB14-1141
TIME: 02:10:52 PM
MOVED:Williams
MOTION:Refer House Bill 14-1141, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a vote of 7-2, with 2 excused.
SECONDED:Nordberg
VOTE
Conti
Yes
Dore
Excused
Foote
Yes
Humphrey
Yes
Labuda
No
Melton
No
Moreno
Yes
Nordberg
Yes
Williams
Yes
Salazar
Yes
Ryden
Excused
Final YES: 7 NO: 2 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


02:12 PM -- HB14-1197

Representative Szabo, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 14-1197. The bill specifies the circumstances in which the Governor may grant a reprieve in a capital case. Under the bill, a reprieve may only be granted for up to 90 days for cause. Cause is defined as circumstances related to administrative difficulties in carrying out the execution.

After a single reprieve is granted, the Governor is not permitted to grant an additional reprieve unless the circumstances that provided the basis for the reprieve cannot be resolved within the 90-day period. If the Governor grants a reprieve, he or she is to notify the Department of Corrections within 24 hours.

02:15 PM -- Jean Fredlund, representing the League of Women Voters, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Fredlund stated her opinion that the bill is vague and could lead to additional executions.













02:17 PM -- Denise Maes, representing the American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Maes spoke about the death penalty appeal process and its effect on victims. She expressed her opinion that this sort of limitation on the Governor's authority is unconstitutional. She indicated that the bill ignores the independent powers of the various branches of government. She spoke about the complex nature of death penalty cases and new evidence that often comes to light years after a trial and sentence. She commented that the bill ignores those complexities. Ms. Maes responded to questions from the committee.

02:23 PM -- Bridget Klauber, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Klauber expressed her opinion that the bill is unconstitutional. She commented that legislation drafted in response to one newsworthy event is poor public policy.

02:25 PM -- Bobby Stephens, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Stephens stated that the state of Colorado needs to decide whether or not to use the death penalty. He spoke about the reprieve of Nathan Dunlap and how it has affected him as a victim.


02:30 PM

Representative Szabo read a statement from Fara Murata (Attachment D). She wrapped up her presentation of the bill and asked for a favorable recommendation. Members of the committee commented about their positions on the bill.

14HseState0224AttachD.pdf14HseState0224AttachD.pdf
BILL:HB14-1197
TIME: 02:37:06 PM
MOVED:Nordberg
MOTION:Refer House Bill 14-1197 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion failed on a vote of 3-6, with 2 excused.
SECONDED:Conti
VOTE
Conti
Yes
Dore
Excused
Foote
No
Humphrey
Yes
Labuda
No
Melton
No
Moreno
No
Nordberg
Yes
Williams
No
Salazar
No
Ryden
Excused
YES: 3 NO: 6 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL



BILL:HB14-1197
TIME: 02:37:49 PM
MOVED:Melton
MOTION:Postpone House Bill 14-1197 indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 6-3, with 2 excused.
SECONDED:Williams
VOTE
Conti
No
Dore
Excused
Foote
Yes
Humphrey
No
Labuda
Yes
Melton
Yes
Moreno
Yes
Nordberg
No
Williams
Yes
Salazar
Yes
Ryden
Excused
Final YES: 6 NO: 3 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


02:38 PM

The committee took a brief recess.


02:40 PM -- HB14-1198

The committee returned to order.

Representative Everett, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 14-1198 concerning military and family professional licensing. Under current law, a military spouse who is authorized to practice in another state in certain professions and occupations can practice for one year without applying for authority under Colorado law. This bill provides reciprocity for three years to an active-duty service member, a military spouse, or a military dependent for the professions and occupations regulated under Title 12 without the exceptions included under current law.

Representative Everett distributed and explained amendments L.008 and L.009 (Attachments E and F).

14HseState0224AttachE.pdf14HseState0224AttachE.pdf14HseState0224AttachF.pdf14HseState0224AttachF.pdf

02:46 PM -- Frank McCurdy, representing the United Veterans Committee and the American Legion, testified in support of the bill. Mr. McCurdy spoke about his personal and professional background. He discussed difficulties faced by military spouses and family members in moving often and finding work. He responded to questions from the committee.







02:52 PM -- Ralph Bozella, representing the United Veterans Committee and the American Legion, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Bozella talked about the burden of frequent moving on military families. He responded to questions from the committee about what the bill will exempt licensed individuals from doing.

02:57 PM -- Karen Harris, representing the American Institute of Architects of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Harris stated that the bill puts the public safety and welfare at risk by allowing the unlicensed practice of architecture in Colorado without regulation by the state. She responded to questions from the committee.

03:00 PM -- Kevin Eronimous, representing the American Institute of Architects of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Eronimous spoke about administrative and logistical issues that might arise as a result of the bill. He indicated that obtaining licensure reciprocity for architects is fairly simple and straightforward. He responded to questions from the committee.

03:03 PM -- Roger Nelson, representing the Professional Land Surveyors of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Nelson provided reasons for his belief that land surveyors working in Colorado should be licensed in Colorado due to the complexity of Colorado law.

03:07 PM -- Marcia Waters and Mike Skorupka, representing the Department of Regulatory Agencies, provided information about licensure for various professions and occupations in Colorado in response to questions from the committee.


03:16 PM

The committee continued to question Ms. Waters and Mr. Skorupka about professional licensure in Colorado.

03:22 PM -- Ted Leighty, representing the Colorado Association of Realtors, testified in support of the bill with the addition of amendment L.003. This amendment was not distributed to the committee.

03:23 PM -- Marilen Reimer, representing the American Council of Engineering Companies, testified in support of the bill with the addition of amendment L.003. This amendment was not distributed to the committee. In response to a question from the committee, Ms. Reimer said amendment L.009 is an acceptable substitute for her organization.

03:27 PM -- Mike Griffeth, representing himself, testified about the bill. Mr. Griffeth discussed his military experience. He talked about the licensing requirements for engineers and architects. He indicated that the bill will not help engineers.















BILL:HB14-1198
TIME: 03:32:52 PM
MOVED:Nordberg
MOTION:Adopt amendment L.008 (Attachment E). The motion passed on a vote of 6-3, with 2 excused.
SECONDED:Conti
VOTE
Conti
Yes
Dore
Excused
Foote
Yes
Humphrey
Yes
Labuda
No
Melton
Yes
Moreno
No
Nordberg
Yes
Williams
Yes
Salazar
No
Ryden
Excused
YES: 6 NO: 3 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

BILL:HB14-1198
TIME: 03:33:46 PM
MOVED:Conti
MOTION:Adopt amendment L.009 (Attachment F). The motion passed on a vote of 5-4, with 2 excused.
SECONDED:Humphrey
VOTE
Conti
Yes
Dore
Excused
Foote
Yes
Humphrey
Yes
Labuda
No
Melton
No
Moreno
Yes
Nordberg
Yes
Williams
No
Salazar
No
Ryden
Excused
YES: 5 NO: 4 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS







03:38 PM

Representative Everett wrapped up his presentation of the bill and asked for a favorable recommendation.
BILL:HB14-1198
TIME: 03:39:47 PM
MOVED:Conti
MOTION:Refer House Bill 14-1198, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole. The motion failed on a vote of 3-6, with 2 excused.
SECONDED:Nordberg
VOTE
Conti
Yes
Dore
Excused
Foote
No
Humphrey
Yes
Labuda
No
Melton
No
Moreno
No
Nordberg
Yes
Williams
No
Salazar
No
Ryden
Excused
YES: 3 NO: 6 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL

























BILL:HB14-1198
TIME: 03:44:32 PM
MOVED:Melton
MOTION:Postpone House Bill 14-1198 indefinitely. The motion passed on a vote of 6-3, with 2 excused.
SECONDED:Williams
VOTE
Conti
No
Dore
Excused
Foote
Yes
Humphrey
No
Labuda
Yes
Melton
Yes
Moreno
Yes
Nordberg
No
Williams
Yes
Salazar
Yes
Ryden
Excused
Final YES: 6 NO: 3 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


03:45 PM

The committee adjourned.