Date: 02/03/2015

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB15-065

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Adopt amendment L.001 (Attachment C). The motion p
Refer Senate Bill 15-065, as amended, to the Commi		Pass Without Objection
PASS



11:22 AM -- SB15-065

Senator Marble, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 15-065 to the committee. The bill would prohibit recipients of public benefits from using electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards at adult-oriented entertainment and licensed marijuana establishments. Senator Marble explained that despite federal restrictions, there continue to be withdrawals from ATMs at liquor stores, dispensaries, and gambling establishments.


11:28 AM

Senator Ulibarri and Senator Marble discussed federal law regarding ATMs in underserved areas. Senator Jones and Senator Marble discussed the number of people who use ATMs at the facilities in question.

11:33 AM -- Levetta Love, Office of Economic Security, Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS), testified on the bill. She described the way CDHS uses EBT cards in Colorado, which is primarily for cash assistance. She discussed the federal prohibition on using ATMs at certain venues. She explained that the state could face financial sanctions for failing to comply with federal law regarding adult entertainment venues. She added that extending the ban to marijuana establishments would be appropriately proactive. She stated that the department supports the bill but will need to take additional action to ensure enforcement.

Senator Ulibarri and Ms. Love discussed the state's plan to ensure access to ATMs in certain communities. Senator Jones and Ms. Love continued to discuss the need to ensure EBT access.

11:41 AM -- Shawn Coleman, representing marijuana establishments, testified in support of the bill. He noted that marijuana establishments are limited in where they can locate, and they are not generally good cash access points. He emphasized that the banking industry needs to improve the services it provides in underserved communities.

11:44 AM -- Tyler Henson, representing the Colorado Cannabis Chamber of Commerce, testified in support of the bill.


11:45 AM

Senator Marble wrapped up her presentation of the bill. She stated that it would help protect families and bring the state into compliance with federal law.

Senator Ulibarri presented amendment L.001 (Attachment C). He explained that the amendment clarifies what happens when an ATM is moved from a prohibited location to an allowed location. Senator Marble expressed her preference that this concern be addressed in a different bill.

15SenateState0203AttachC.pdf15SenateState0203AttachC.pdf
BILL:SB15-065
TIME: 11:53:34 AM
MOVED:Ulibarri
MOTION:Adopt amendment L.001 (Attachment C). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
Jones
Ulibarri
Sonnenberg
Scott
YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


BILL:SB15-065
TIME: 11:54:02 AM
MOVED:Scott
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 15-065, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a vote of 3-2.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Hill
Yes
Jones
No
Ulibarri
No
Sonnenberg
Yes
Scott
Yes
Final YES: 3 NO: 2 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



11:54 AM

The committee adjourned.