Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Date:04/25/2006
ATTENDANCE
Time:01:36 PM to 08:16 PM
Cadman
X
Carroll T.
*
Place:HCR 0107
Coleman
*
Crane
X
This Meeting was called to order by
Gallegos
X
Representative Weissmann
Liston
X
Lundberg
*
This Report was prepared by
Schultheis
*
Bo Pogue
Todd
X
Ragsdale
X
Weissmann
X
X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
Bills Addressed: Action Taken:
SB06-207
SB06-149
SB06-170
HCR06-1003
HCR06-1012
HCR06-1010
HCR06-1007
HCR06-1008
HCR06-1009
HJR06-1027
SCR06-002		Referred to Appropriations
Referred to the Committee of the Whole
Referred to Appropriations
Postponed Indefinitely
Referred to the Committee of the Whole
Postponed Indefinitely
Postponed Indefinitely
Postponed Indefinitely
Postponed Indefinitely
Postponed Indefinitely
Referred to the Committee of the Whole

01:30 PM

The committee came to order. A quorum was present.

01:31 PM -- Senate Bill 06-207

Representative Borodkin, prime sponsor, reacquainted the committee with Senate Bill 06-207, concerning human trafficking. The bill was heard previously by the committee at its April 18th meeting, but was removed from the table by the chairman. Representative Borodkin described the efforts of governments and organizations to combat human trafficking.


01:35 PM

No one signed up to testify on Senate Bill 06-207. No amendments were offered.
BILL:SB06-207
TIME: 01:36:02 PM
MOVED:Coleman
MOTION:Moved to refer Senate Bill 06-207 to the Committee on Appropriations with favorable recommendation. The motion passed on a 10-1 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Todd
VOTE
Cadman
Yes
Carroll T.
Yes
Coleman
Yes
Crane
Yes
Gallegos
Yes
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
Yes
Ragsdale
Yes
Weissmann
No
Final YES: 10 NO: 1 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

01:39 PM -- Senate Bill 06-149

Representative Coleman, prime sponsor, provided an overview of Senate Bill 06-149, concerning oversight of communications and information resources technologies in state agencies. The bill changes the name of the Governor's Office of Innovation and Technology to the Office of Information Technology and realigns the office's powers and duties. Committee members received a handout describing the changes to law contained in the bill (Attachment A). The committee discussed a potential amendment to the bill.

01:41 PM -- Mr. John Picanso, representing the Office of Innovation and Technology, testified in support of Senate Bill 06-149. Mr. Picanso explained the improvements that the bill will make for the state in the area of information technology. Mr. Picanso responded to questions regarding a provision in the bill that increases the value of procurements that are subject to the oversight of the Office of Information and Technology from $25,000 to $100,000.



01:46 PM

No amendments were offered to Senate Bill 06-149.
BILL:SB06-149
TIME: 01:47:13 PM
MOVED:Coleman
MOTION:Moved to refer Senate Bill 06-149 to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. The motion passed on an 11-0 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Cadman
VOTE
Cadman
Yes
Carroll T.
Yes
Coleman
Yes
Crane
Yes
Gallegos
Yes
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
Yes
Ragsdale
Yes
Weissmann
Yes
Final YES: 11 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

01:50 PM -- Senate Bill 06-170

Representative Buescher, prime sponsor, explained in detail each section of Senate Bill 06-170, concerning the conduct of elections. A discussion ensued regarding the fiscal impact of the bill. Representative Buescher responded to questions regarding the Secretary of State establishing rules for vote centers, the increase in reimbursement rates for ballot measure elections, and penalties for voter registration drive violations.

02:07 PM

The following people testified regarding Senate Bill 06-170:



02:07 PM -- Ms. Carol Snyder and Mr. Steve Moreno, representing the Colorado County Clerks Association, testified in favor of Senate Bill 06-170. Discussion ensued regarding the regulation of voter registration drives. Ms. Snyder explained what constitutes an electronic voting device and the use of personal numbers for voter identification under the bill. Ms. Snyder responded to questions regarding the number of absentee and early voters' ballots cast in an election and penalties for failing to turn in voter registration drive applications. Discussion ensued regarding the adequacy of regulation of voter registration drives. Ms. Snyder answered questions regarding the residency requirements for people engaged in voter registration drives. Discussion then returned to penalties associated with failing to turn in voter registration applications. Ms. Snyder explained the reason for the Secretary of State establishing rules for vote centers. Mr. Moreno explained how vote centers provide the infrastructure to meet voting demand. Ms. Snyder responded to questions regarding compensation for election staff. Discussion ensued regarding residency and voter registration requirements for those who conduct voter registration drives. Finally, Ms. Snyder spoke to the efficacy of new electronic voting systems.

02:35 PM -- Ms. Jenny Flanagan, representing Colorado Common Cause, testified in favor of Senate Bill 06-170. Ms. Flanagan stated that her organization supported the bill's provisions that increase funding for elections and increase voter participation through registration drives and the opening of vote centers. Ms. Flanagan expressed caution regarding the use of new electronic voting systems and the use of personal numbers for voter identification. Ms. Flanagan responded to questions regarding the use of provisional ballots. Discussion ensued regarding providing identification for provisional balloting.

02:49 PM -- Ms. Christine Watson, representing the Colorado League of Women Voters, testified in favor of the bill. Ms. Watson explained that the league feels the penalties in the bill for violating voter registration drive regulations is appropriate.

02:51 PM -- Ms. Faith Gross, representing the Legal Center for People with Disabilities, testified in favor of Senate Bill 06-170, but expressed concern regarding the ability of people with disabilities to cast a private provisional ballot using an electronic voting device.


02:55 PM

Representative Cadman moved prepared amendment L.023 (Attachment B), and responded to questions regarding requirements for those organizing a voter registration drive under the amendment. Discussion ensued regarding requiring proof of citizenship from business entities under amendment L.023.
BILL:SB06-170
TIME: 03:02:16 PM
MOVED:Cadman
MOTION:Moved prepared amendment L.023 (Attachment B). The motion lost on a 5-6 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Schultheis
VOTE
Cadman
Yes
Carroll T.
No
Coleman
No
Crane
Yes
Gallegos
No
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
No
Ragsdale
No
Weissmann
No
Not Final YES: 5 NO: 6 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL

Representative Cadman moved prepared amendment L.025 (Attachment C) and explained the basis of the amendment. Discussion ensued regarding the documentation required when registering to vote. Representative Buescher explained his opposition to the amendment. Discussion followed regarding the status of implementation of a federal voter identification act.
BILL:SB06-170
TIME: 03:08:42 PM
MOVED:Cadman
MOTION:Moved prepared amendment L.025 (Attachment C). The motion failed on a 5-6 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Liston
VOTE
Cadman
Yes
Carroll T.
No
Coleman
No
Crane
Yes
Gallegos
No
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
No
Ragsdale
No
Weissmann
No
Not Final YES: 5 NO: 6 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL


Representative Cadman moved prepared amendment L.026 (Attachment D). Discussion ensued regarding a law in Georgia similar to the amendment that was nullified in court.
BILL:SB06-170
TIME: 03:16:45 PM
MOVED:Cadman
MOTION:Moved prepared amendment L.026 (Attachment D). The motion failed on a 5-6 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Crane
VOTE
Cadman
Yes
Carroll T.
No
Coleman
No
Crane
Yes
Gallegos
No
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
No
Ragsdale
No
Weissmann
No
Not Final YES: 5 NO: 6 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL

03:16 PM

Representative Buescher provided closing remarks in favor of Senate Bill 06-170.
BILL:SB06-170
TIME: 03:17:32 PM
MOVED:Carroll T.
MOTION:Moved to refer Senate Bill 06-170 to the Committee on Appropriations with favorable recommendation. The motion passed on an 8-3 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Coleman
VOTE
Cadman
Yes
Carroll T.
Yes
Coleman
Yes
Crane
Yes
Gallegos
Yes
Liston
No
Lundberg
No
Schultheis
No
Todd
Yes
Ragsdale
Yes
Weissmann
Yes
Final YES: 8 NO: 3 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



03:18 PM -- House Concurrent Resolution 06-1003

Representative White, prime sponsor, provided an overview of House Concurrent Resolution 06-1003, submitting to the registered electors of the state of Colorado the proposal for the holding of a constitutional convention to revise, alter, and amend the constitution of the State of Colorado. Representative White responded to questions regarding the ability of the title of a concurrent resolution to be expanded once a constitutional convention is convened.

03:20 PM

The following people testified regarding House Concurrent Resolution 06-1003:

03:20 PM -- Mr. Jim Jacobs, representing himself, testified in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 06-1003. Mr. Jacobs read a statement outlining the need to hold a constitutional convention to fix Colorado's governing and initiative/referendum processes.

03:26 PM -- Mr. Richard Robinson, representing himself, testified in favor of the resolution. Mr. Robinson stated that Colorado's "Gallagher Amendment" is stifling business development in the state, and certain provisions in the constitution are inhibiting the legislative process.

03:28 PM -- Mr. Gerald Greenwald, representing himself, testified in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 06-1003. Mr. Greenwald explained the findings of the Colorado Economic Future Panel, and the effect of conflicting amendments currently in the state constitution.

03:33 PM -- Ms. Kathy Finlan, representing herself, testified in favor of the concurrent resolution. Ms. Finlan read a statement detailing the web of fiscal constraints created by constitutional amendments.



03:40 PM

Representative White explained how delegates are chosen for a constitutional convention. Mr. Bob Lackner, Legislative Legal Services, responded to questions regarding the selection of delegates for a constitutional convention. Mr. Lackner then responded to questions regarding the expansion of the scope of a constitutional convention once convened.

03:48 PM

Representative Weissmann moved amendment L.001 (Attachment E).
BILL:HCR 1003
TIME: 03:48:42 PM
MOVED:Weissmann
MOTION:Moved prepared amendment L.001 (Attachment E). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:Carroll T.
VOTE
Cadman
Carroll T.
Coleman
Crane
Gallegos
Liston
Lundberg
Schultheis
Todd
Ragsdale
Weissmann
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


03:48 PM

Representative White provided closing remarks in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 06-1003, explaining the eventual need for a constitutional convention in Colorado.
BILL:HCR 06-1003
TIME: 03:50:57 PM
MOVED:Coleman
MOTION:Moved to refer House Concurrent Resolution 06-1003, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. The motion lost on a 5-6 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Crane
VOTE
Cadman
Yes
Carroll T.
No
Coleman
Yes
Crane
Yes
Gallegos
No
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
No
Schultheis
No
Todd
No
Ragsdale
No
Weissmann
Yes
Not Final YES: 5 NO: 6 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL


BILL:House Concurrent Resolution 06-1003
TIME: 03:51:10 PM
MOVED:Carroll T.
MOTION:Moved to Postpone Indefinitely House Concurrent Resolution 06-1003. The motion passed on an 8-3 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Ragsdale
VOTE
Cadman
Yes
Carroll T.
Yes
Coleman
Yes
Crane
No
Gallegos
Yes
Liston
No
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
Yes
Ragsdale
Yes
Weissmann
No
Final YES: 8 NO: 3 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

03:53 PM -- House Concurrent Resolution 06-1012

Representative M. Carroll, prime sponsor, provided background for and an overview of House Concurrent Resolution 06-1012, submitting to the registered electors of the state of Colorado amendments to Articles V and XIX of the constitution of the State of Colorado, concerning the exemption from the single-subject requirement of proposed measures that repeal constitutional or statutory provisions initially adopted prior to January 1, 1995, as a measure or part of a measure containing more than one subject at the time of initial adoption. Representative M. Carroll spoke against placing nonessential provisions in the constitution and listed a number of constitutional provisions that she feels belong in statute rather than the constitution. No witnesses testified regarding the resolution and there were no amendments.
BILL:HCR 1012
TIME: 03:59:20 PM
MOVED:Carroll T.
MOTION:Moved to refer House Concurrent Resolution 06-1012 to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. The motion passed on a 6-5 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Gallegos
VOTE
Cadman
No
Carroll T.
Yes
Coleman
Yes
Crane
Yes
Gallegos
Yes
Liston
No
Lundberg
No
Schultheis
No
Todd
Yes
Ragsdale
No
Weissmann
Yes
Final YES: 6 NO: 5 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



04:02 PM -- House Concurrent Resolution 06-1010

Representative Penry, prime sponsor, provided an overview of House Concurrent Resolution 06-1010, concerning campaign finance. The resolution would include certain entities within the definition of a "political committee" and change certain campaign contribution limits. Representative Penry responded to questions regarding the determination of an organization's "major purpose" and explained the reason for leaving issue committees out of the resolution. Representative Penry expressed his intent to leave 501 (c)(3) organizations out of the resolution. Representative Penry then responded to questions regarding disclosure requirements for certain entities.

04:12 PM -- The following people testified regarding House Concurrent Resolution 06-1010:

04:12 PM -- Ms. Christine Watson, representing the Colorado League of Women Voters, testified regarding House Concurrent Resolution 06-1010. Ms. Watson explained that her organization had not yet taken a position on the resolution, but it was in line with legislation that the organization had supported in the past. Ms. Watson responded to questions regarding disclosure requirements for 527 organizations.

04:23 PM -- Mr. Pete Maysmith, representing Colorado Common Cause, testified regarding the concurrent resolution. Mr. Maysmith stated that his organization is taking a neutral stance regarding the resolution, but that Common Cause had supported legislation similar to elements in the resolution in the past. Mr. Maysmith stated that his organization does not support a provision in the resolution that increases contribution limits for candidates. Mr. Maysmith responded to questions regarding the constitutionality of limiting the political activities of certain organizations and Common Cause's stance on timely reporting of candidate contributions by 527 organizations. Mr. Maysmith and Representative Penry responded to questions regarding campaign contribution limits contained in the resolution. Mr. Maysmith explained the indexing of inflation adjustments for political campaign donations under Amendment 27, passed by the voters in 2002. A discussion ensued regarding the recent proliferation of 527 organizations in Colorado and the potential for amending House Concurrent Resolution 06-1010 to restrict campaign donations by small donor committees.


04:32 PM

Representative T. Carroll moved prepared amendment L.001 (Attachment F) to remove organizations created pursuant to section 501(c)(3) from the resolution.
BILL:HCR 1010
TIME: 04:38:10 PM
MOVED:Carroll T.
MOTION:Moved prepared amendment L.001 (Attachment F). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:Coleman
VOTE
Cadman
Carroll T.
Coleman
Crane
Gallegos
Liston
Lundberg
Schultheis
Todd
Ragsdale
Weissmann
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection

Representative Cadman offered a conceptual amendment to equalize the levels of contribution between small donor groups and individuals to a candidate campaign.
BILL:HCR 1010
TIME: 04:38:29 PM
MOVED:Cadman
MOTION:Moved a conceptual amendment to restrict the donation level to candidate campaigns of all individuals and small donor groups, to $400. The motion failed on a 5-6 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Liston
VOTE
Cadman
Yes
Carroll T.
No
Coleman
No
Crane
Yes
Gallegos
No
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
No
Ragsdale
No
Weissmann
No
Not Final YES: 5 NO: 6 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL



04:43 PM

Representative Penry provided closing remarks in favor of HCR 1010.
BILL:HCR 1010
TIME: 04:37:38 PM
MOVED:Liston
MOTION:Moved to refer House Concurrent Resolution 06-1010, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. The motion failed on a 5-6 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Cadman
VOTE
Cadman
Yes
Carroll T.
No
Coleman
No
Crane
Yes
Gallegos
No
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
No
Ragsdale
No
Weissmann
No
Not Final YES: 5 NO: 6 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL
BILL:HCR 1010
TIME: 04:38:19 PM
MOVED:Coleman
MOTION:Moved to Postpone Indefinitely House Concurrent Resolution 06-1010. The motion passed on a 6-5 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Ragsdale
VOTE
Cadman
No
Carroll T.
Yes
Coleman
Yes
Crane
No
Gallegos
Yes
Liston
No
Lundberg
No
Schultheis
No
Todd
Yes
Ragsdale
Yes
Weissmann
Yes
Final YES: 6 NO: 5 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



04:39 PM -- House Concurrent Resolution 06-1007

Representative Cloer, prime sponsor, presented House Concurrent Resolution 06-1007, concerning the preservation of religious freedom. Committee members received a fact sheet regarding the concurrent resolution (Attachment G). Representative Cloer explained that the resolution was being carried in response to events at the federal level.

04:41 PM

The following people testified regarding House Concurrent Resolution 06-1007:

04:41 PM -- Mr. Brad Hamill, representing his family, testified in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 06-1007. Mr. Hamill explained a number of court cases and Congressional actions that have impacted religious interest claims.

04:45 PM -- Ms. Trian Gossen, representing Concerned Parents of Colorado, testified in favor of the resolution. Ms. Gossen discussed the expressions of support that her organization has received from a variety of sources in favor of the concurrent resolution.

04:47 PM -- Mr. Scott Sommerville, representing Home School Legal Defense Association and the Center for the Original Content of the Constitution, testified in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 06-1007. Mr. Sommerville explained how his upbringing impacted his belief system, and detailed the broad support for the resolution. Mr. Sommerville provided background regarding Congressional and U.S. Supreme Court action pertaining to religious and conscientious expression in recent decades.

04:55 PM

Mr. Sommerville responded to questions from committee members about the potential impact of the resolution. He discussed the federal standard for prisons, as well as zoning issues that arise. The committee continued to discuss the resolution with Mr. Sommerville, with Mr. Sommerville responding to questions about other states that are considering similar measures.

05:01 PM

Mr. Sommerville described reasons for consideration of the measure in Colorado, pointing out issues of privacy and religious liberty at stake for states. Representative Cloer offered that he sees the measure as preventative, rather than addressing specific instances that have already happened.


05:06 PM

No amendments were offered for House Concurrent Resolution 06-1007. Representative Cloer provided closing remarks in favor of the resolution. Representative Todd questioned the need for the resolution. Representative Cloer outlined prosecutorial abuses in Colorado that would be preempted by the resolution.
BILL:HCR 1007
TIME: 05:12:57 PM
MOVED:Cadman
MOTION:Moved to refer House Concurrent Resolution 06-1007 to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. The motion failed on a 5-6 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Lundberg
VOTE
Cadman
Yes
Carroll T.
No
Coleman
No
Crane
Yes
Gallegos
No
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
No
Ragsdale
No
Weissmann
No
Not Final YES: 5 NO: 6 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL
BILL:HCR 1007
TIME: 05:14:05 PM
MOVED:Coleman
MOTION:Moved to Postpone Indefinitely House Concurrent Resolution 06-1007. The motion passed on a 6-5 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Ragsdale
VOTE
Cadman
No
Carroll T.
Yes
Coleman
Yes
Crane
No
Gallegos
Yes
Liston
No
Lundberg
No
Schultheis
No
Todd
Yes
Ragsdale
Yes
Weissmann
Yes
Final YES: 6 NO: 5 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



05:16 PM -- House Concurrent Resolution 06-1008

Representative Schultheis, prime sponsor, provided background for House Concurrent Resolution 06-1008, concerning a requirement that English be the official language of public entities in the state. Representative Schultheis detailed the provisions of the resolution, as well as the effect of some forthcoming amendments to the resolution. Discussion ensued regarding assimilation into American culture, potential separatism in the province of Quebec, and a provision in the resolution requiring the purchase of English texts by public libraries. Representative Schultheis explained his intended outcome should House Concurrent Resolution 06-1008 pass. Discussion followed regarding the utility of knowing more than one language and the impact of the resolution on a person's ability to communicate in the language of his or her choosing.

05:34 PM

The following people testified regarding House Concurrent Resolution 06-1008:

05:34 PM -- Mr. Tim Schultz, representing U.S. English Incorporated, testified in favor of the concurrent resolution. Mr. Schultz provided background regarding his organization, and expressed the need for government agencies to do business in one language. Mr. Schultz explained the problems encountered by those who do not speak English in the United States. Mr. Schultz cited statistics pointing to the fact that immigrant populations are not learning English over time and preemptively addressed claims that the resolution would lead to anti-immigrant sentiment. Discussion ensued regarding the loss of languages by certain Native American populations, the effect of creating isolated communities of non-English speaking people, and the effects of maintaining a multi-lingual society.

05:53 PM

Mr. Schultz explained the term "English proficiency" as defined by the U.S. Census and discussed legislation similar to House Concurrent Resolution 06-1008 in other states. Discussion ensued regarding the process by which the resolution was drafted and the effect of the resolution on the learning of English by non-English speaking people in the Colorado.

06:03 PM

Mr. Schultz responded to a question regarding his view of what constitutes "American values."


06:08 PM -- Ms. Adrienne Benavidez, representing the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Color of Justice, testified in opposition to House Concurrent 06-1008. Ms. Benavidez provided some historical background regarding the use of language in the United States. Ms. Benavidez then explained how the resolution violates certain constitutional protections.

06:14 PM -- Mr. Mark O'Brien, representing Coloradans for Immigrant Rights, testified in opposition to the resolution, stating that he feels the resolution is punitive and prejudicial. Mr. O'Brien explained how the resolution would create an impediment to the equal access to government services.

06:16 PM -- Mr. Frosty Wooldridge, representing himself, testified in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 06-1003. Mr. Wooldridge explained the need for the nation to have a common language in order to function and maintain cohesiveness. Discussion ensued regarding strife caused in various countries due to the failure of immigrant populations to assimilate and the failure to use one language. Mr. Wooldridge discussed the potential impact of not using a single language in the country.

06:36 PM -- Mr. Gregory Staritsky, representing himself, testified regarding the resolution. Mr. Staritsky discussed the history of international law as it pertains to diversity.

06:39 PM

Representative Schultheis moved prepared amendment L.002 (Attachment H).
BILL:HCR 1008
TIME: 06:45:52 PM
MOVED:Schultheis
MOTION:Moved prepared amendment L.002 (Attachment H). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:Crane
VOTE
Cadman
Carroll T.
Coleman
Crane
Gallegos
Liston
Lundberg
Schultheis
Todd
Ragsdale
Weissmann
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection



06:40 PM

Representative Schultheis moved to refer House Concurrent Resolution 06-1008 to the Committee on Appropriations. The committee discussed the fiscal note. Representative Cadman commented on the positive aspects of communicating in a common language. The committee discussed the negative consequences of placing the language of the concurrent resolution in the state constitution as opposed to statute.
BILL:HCR 1008
TIME: 06:47:11 PM
MOVED:Schultheis
MOTION:Moved to refer House Concurrent Resolution 06-1008, as amended, to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion failed on a 5-6 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Cadman
VOTE
Cadman
Yes
Carroll T.
No
Coleman
No
Crane
Yes
Gallegos
No
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
No
Ragsdale
No
Weissmann
No
Not Final YES: 5 NO: 6 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL
BILL:HCR 1008
TIME: 06:48:58 PM
MOVED:Carroll T.
MOTION:Moved to Postpone Indefinitely House Concurrent Resolution 06-1008. The motion passed on a 6-5 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Coleman
VOTE
Cadman
No
Carroll T.
Yes
Coleman
Yes
Crane
No
Gallegos
Yes
Liston
No
Lundberg
No
Schultheis
No
Todd
Yes
Ragsdale
Yes
Weissmann
Yes
Final YES: 6 NO: 5 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



06:50 PM -- House Concurrent Resolution 06-1009

Representative Schultheis, prime sponsor, provided an overview of House Concurrent Resolution 1009, concerning verification of United States citizenship for voting purposes. Representative Schultheis explained the current process for affirming United States citizenship and discussed the need to strengthen this process.

06:54 PM

The following people testified regarding House Concurrent Resolution 06-1009:

06:54 PM -- Ms. Adrienne Benavidez, representing the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Color of Justice, testified in opposition to House Concurrent Resolution 06-1009. Ms. Benavidez explained that there is no evidence that noncitizens are voting illegally, and that the resolution would violate federal voting protections.

06:58 PM -- Mr. Dante James, representing the African American Voter Information Project, testified in opposition to the concurrent resolution. Mr. James provided committee members with an article on legislation similar to House Concurrent Resolution 06-1009 in Arizona, and discussed the disenfranchisement of voters as a result of this legislation. Mr. James asserted that there is no evidence that voter fraud is being perpetrated by noncitizens, and discussed the potential impact of the concurrent resolution on those who change addresses frequently. Mr. James responded to questions regarding the potential existence of voter fraud by people not entitled to vote. A discussion ensued regarding topics discussed at a recent blue ribbon voting panel.

07:06 PM -- Ms. Carol Snyder, representing herself in her capacity as Adams County Clerk and Recorder, testified in opposition to House Concurrent Resolution 06-1009. Ms. Snyder explained the identity verification process employed at the county level by clerks and recorders. Ms. Snyder also explained the labor and fiscal burdens that would be placed on the counties were the resolution to be passed, as well as the impact on voter registration deadlines. Ms. Snyder discussed the problems associated with verifying the citizenship of absentee ballot voters, and the delays and disenfranchisement that would occur at polling places due to citizenship verification requirements. Ms. Snyder responded to questions regarding the inability of county clerks to access certain state and federal identification databases, and the deadline for registering to vote.


07:19 PM -- Ms. Faith Gross, representing the Legal Center for People with Disabilities, testified against the concurrent resolution. Ms. Gross read a statement outlining the voting difficulties that people with disabilities and senior citizens would experience as a result of the resolution's passage, as well as the financial burdens that people would incur in trying to access the documentation required by the resolution.

07:22 PM -- Mr. Mark O'Brien, representing Coloradans for Immigrant Rights, testified in opposition to House Concurrent Resolution 06-1009. Mr. O'Brien explained that the resolution would create an impediment to voting for those without the required documentation, and reiterated that there is no evidence of voter fraud on the part of noncitizens.

07:25 PM -- Ms. Jenny Flanagan, representing Colorado Common Cause, testified in opposition to the concurrent resolution. Ms. Flanagan explained that the resolution would intimidate people into not participating in the voting process and that the type of voter fraud covered by the resolution does not occur at appreciable levels. Ms. Flanagan also discussed the impact of legislation passed in Arizona that is similar to the concurrent resolution.

07:28 PM -- Mr. Frosty Wooldridge, representing himself, testified in favor of House Concurrent Resolution 06-1009. Mr. Wooldridge discussed the corruption manifested by illegal aliens and the deterioration of the country's high standards.


07:32 PM

Representative Schultheis moved prepared amendment L.001 (Attachment I) and explained the amendment. The committee discussed the ramifications enshrining the language of amendment L.001 in the Colorado constitution as opposed to state statute.
BILL:HCR 1009
TIME: 07:33:23 PM
MOVED:Schultheis
MOTION:Moved prepared amendment L.001 (Attachment I). The motion failed on a 3-6-2 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Lundberg
VOTE
Cadman
Excused
Carroll T.
No
Coleman
No
Crane
Excused
Gallegos
No
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
No
Ragsdale
No
Weissmann
No
Not Final YES: 3 NO: 6 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL

Representative Schultheis moved prepared amendment L.002 (Attachment J) and explained his reason for moving the amendment.
BILL:HCR 1009
TIME: 07:36:46 PM
MOVED:Schultheis
MOTION:Moved prepared amendment L.002 (Attachment J). The motion failed on a 3-6-2 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Lundberg
VOTE
Cadman
Excused
Carroll T.
No
Coleman
No
Crane
Excused
Gallegos
No
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
No
Ragsdale
No
Weissmann
No
Not Final YES: 3 NO: 6 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL


07:39 PM

Representative Lundberg discussed the need for people to prove their citizenship in order to vote. Representative T. Carroll expressed his reasons for opposing House Concurrent Resolution 06-1009. Representative Schultheis explained the need for passage of the resolution.
BILL:HCR 1009
TIME: 07:44:24 PM
MOVED:Schultheis
MOTION:Moved to refer House Concurrent Resolution 06-1009 to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. The motion failed on a 3-6-2 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Lundberg
VOTE
Cadman
Excused
Carroll T.
No
Coleman
No
Crane
Excused
Gallegos
No
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
No
Ragsdale
No
Weissmann
No
Not Final YES: 3 NO: 6 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL
BILL:HCR 1009
TIME: 07:45:20 PM
MOVED:Carroll T.
MOTION:Moved to Postpone Indefinitely House Concurrent Resolution 06-1009. The motion passed on a 6-3-2 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Coleman
VOTE
Cadman
Excused
Carroll T.
Yes
Coleman
Yes
Crane
Excused
Gallegos
Yes
Liston
No
Lundberg
No
Schultheis
No
Todd
Yes
Ragsdale
Yes
Weissmann
Yes
Final YES: 6 NO: 3 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



07:46 PM -- House Joint Resolution 06-1027

Representative Schultheis, prime sponsor, presented House Joint Resolution 06-1027, concerning urgent support from the United States government for enforcement of federal immigration laws.

07:47 PM

The following people testified regarding House Joint Resolution 06-1027:

07:48 PM -- Ms. Adrienne Benavidez, representing the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association and the Color of Justice, testified in opposition to House Joint Resolution 06-1027. Ms. Benavidez explained the need to police immigration at the federal level in a nonpunative manner, and referenced recent developments at the federal level.

07:50 PM -- Mr. Mark O'Brien, representing Coloradans for Immigrant Rights, testified in opposition to the resolution. Mr. O'Brien questioned the evidential findings expressed in the resolution, discussed the divisive aspects of the policies supported in the resolution, and pointed out the contributions of immigrants to the United States. Discussion ensued regarding the detaining of illegal immigrants, and the relevance of the resolution to such an action. Mr. O'Brien discussed the economic contributions of immigrants.

07:59 PM -- Mr. Frosty Wooldridge, representing himself, testified in favor of House Joint Resolution 06-1027. Mr. Wooldridge detailed the negative economic and social impacts of illegal immigration, and explained the need to police such immigration. Discussion ensued regarding recent fatalities involving illegal immigrants in Colorado.


08:10 PM

Representative Schultheis moved prepared amendment L.002 (Attachment K).
BILL:HJR 1027
TIME: 08:16:37 PM
MOVED:Schultheis
MOTION:Moved prepared amendment L.002 (Attachment K). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:Weissmann
VOTE
Cadman
Carroll T.
Coleman
Crane
Gallegos
Liston
Lundberg
Schultheis
Todd
Ragsdale
Weissmann
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection
BILL:HJR 1027
TIME: 08:11:15 PM
MOVED:Schultheis
MOTION:Moved to refer House Joint Resolution 06-1027 to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. The motion lost on a 3-6-2 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Liston
VOTE
Cadman
Excused
Carroll T.
No
Coleman
No
Crane
Excused
Gallegos
No
Liston
Yes
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Todd
No
Ragsdale
No
Weissmann
No
Not Final YES: 3 NO: 6 EXC: 2 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL


BILL:HJR 1027
TIME: 08:12:12 PM
MOVED:Coleman
MOTION:Moved to Postpone Indefinitely House Joint Resolution 06-1027. The motion passed on a 6-2-3 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Carroll T.
VOTE
Cadman
Excused
Carroll T.
Yes
Coleman
Yes
Crane
Excused
Gallegos
Yes
Liston
Excused
Lundberg
No
Schultheis
No
Todd
Yes
Ragsdale
Yes
Weissmann
Yes
Final YES: 6 NO: 2 EXC: 3 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

08:12 PM -- Senate Concurrent Resolution 06-002.

Representative Coleman provided an overview of Senate Concurrent Resolution 06-002, concerning the elimination of obsolete provisions of the state constitution. Representative Weissmann explained that, due to a state law limiting the number of constitutional provisions that may be offered to the electorate for amendment, some of the provisions contained in the resolution may be removed in future readings. No one testified regarding Senate Concurrent Resolution 06-002, and no amendments were offered.

BILL:SCR 002
TIME: 08:15:38 PM
MOVED:Coleman
MOTION:Moved to refer Senate Concurrent Resolution 06-002 to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. The motion passed on a 7-0-4 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Gallegos
VOTE
Cadman
Excused
Carroll T.
Yes
Coleman
Yes
Crane
Excused
Gallegos
Yes
Liston
Excused
Lundberg
Yes
Schultheis
Excused
Todd
Yes
Ragsdale
Yes
Weissmann
Yes
Final YES: 7 NO: 0 EXC: 4 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

08:16 PM

The committee adjourned.