Date: 02/20/2006

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB06-1329

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON BUSINESS AFFAIRS AND LABOR

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Moved amendment L.001 (Attachment A). The motion Pass Without Objection



01:31 PM -- House Bill 06-1329

Representative Harvey, prime sponsor, explained House Bill 1329. He stated that the bill clarifies that judges may elect to become members of the state defined contribution plan, rather than the Public Employees' Retirement Association (PERA).

01:36 PM -- Colorado Court of Appeals Judge James S. Casebolt, representing the Public Employees' Retirement Association, testified in opposition to the bill. He talked about a previous analysis and rejection of the same idea that occurred few years ago. He stated that when it has been brought up in the past, judges do not want to become members of the state defined contribution plan. Mr. Casebolt stated that the defined contribution plan as a sole source of retirement is difficult because in Colorado, public employees do not have social security. He added that the defined contribution plan would not ensure retention of judges as PERA does.

01:38 PM

Mr. Casebolt responded to questions about the senior judge program, and why judges should not be allowed to make these decisions on their own. There was committee discussion about the salary of current judges.

01:48 PM -- Sherry Kester, representing the Colorado Judicial Branch, testified in opposition to the bill. She stated that they have similar concerns as Mr. Casebolt. She stated that PERA gives them an incentive to stay and they do not want to see judges retiring any sooner than they already do.

BILL:HB06-1329
TIME: 01:50:02 PM
MOVED:Balmer
MOTION:Moved amendment L.001 (Attachment A). The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:Liston
VOTE
Balmer
Borodkin
Butcher
Carroll M.
Coleman
Knoedler
Liston
McCluskey
Excused
Paccione
Penry
Welker
Cerbo
Marshall
Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection





01:51 PM

The chair pulled the bill off the table and stated that the committee would take action on the bill Wednesday, February 22 upon adjournment.