Date: 03/13/2006

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB06-1010

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Refer House Bill 06-1010 to the Committee of the WPASS


01:40 PM -- Call to Order

Senator Tupa, chairman, called the committee to order.

01:40 PM -- House Bill 06-1010

Senator Hanna, prime sponsor, reviewed the provisions of House Bill 06-1010, concerning state participation in government procurement rules of an international trade agreement. This bill would allow the legislature to be involved in discussions surrounding the state's entry into international trade contracts.

01:45 PM -- James Reis, president of the Rocky Mountain Trade Association, testified against the bill. He spoke to the importance of international trade, and reviewed the history of trade agreements in Colorado. He opposes requirements placed on that would hinder Governor's and the state's ability to enter into agreements.

01:51 PM -- Lous Cheroutes, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. He spoke to fostering relations with foreign countries. He testified that this bill is bad policy. He said that free trade agreements promote cultural understanding, and further, that there is no problem that exists within current policy. Mr. Cheroutes also specifically opposes the retroactivity of the bill. Senator Fitz-Gerald spoke to the financial obligations these agreements bind the General Assembly to without legislative input. Senator Tupa spoke to the process at the federal level. Senator Johnson asked if other state legislatures ratify state procurement trade agreements, and Mr. Cheroutes responded that 37 states have some form of this law.

02:08 PM -- Kristy Schloss, CEO, Schloss Engineered Equipment, Inc., testified against the bill. She said that contracts and jobs would be lost if this measure were to pass. She testified that Colorado companies would be enticed to relocate to more business-friendly states. Senator Tupa asked if this measure would preclude current agreements.

02:19 PM -- Peter Hughes, representing CH2M Hill, testified against the bill. His concern is that the passage of the bill would create strain on the trade process.

02:23 PM -- Carolyn Siegel, representing the Colorado AFL-CIO, testified in support of the bill. She said this bill adheres to the philosophy that state's have control over procurement contracts. She testified to states that have opted out of certain trade agreements. Senator Johnson asked for examples of how agreements are hurting the states budget. Ms. Siegel spoke to Colorado's commitment to providing preference to agricultural products in Colorado and how this practice could conflict with certain trade agreements.

02:33 PM

Senator Hanna provided closing comments on the bill.

BILL:HB06-1010
TIME: 02:35:28 PM
MOVED:Groff
MOTION:Refer House Bill 06-1010 to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. The motion passed on a 3-2 roll call vote.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Fitz-Gerald
Yes
Johnson
No
Lamborn
Excused
May R.
No
Windels
Yes
Groff
Tupa
Yes
Final YES: 3 NO: 2 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS