FIRST Conference Committee on HB06-1121 (04/11/2006)

STAFF SUMMARY OF FIRST MEETING OF

FIRST CONFERENCE COMMITTEE ON HB06-1121

Date:	04/11/2006	ATTENDANCE

Time:	01:05 PM to 01:30 PM	Paccione	X
		Bacon	*
Place:	HCR 0107	Massey	X
		Evans	X
This Meeting was called to order by		Williams	*
Representative Todd		Todd	X
This Report was prepared by
Jennifer Thomsen

01:07 PM

The conference committee was called to order by the chairman, Representative Todd.

Representative Todd described Senate amendments to House Bill 06-1121, noting significant changes on page 3, lines 6 and 7. She explained she is proposing an amendment making the consideration and adoption of a community service policy by a school board mandatory. Representative Todd spoke to the purposes served by community service in schools. She noted that she does not intend to specify the specifics of the community service policy, but wants to send a message to school districts that the General Assembly values community service.

01:10 PM

Senator Evans commented on the discussion of the bill in the Senate Education Committee, and said he supports the changes made in the Senate. He spoke to the cost to school districts of state mandates. Representative Massey responded to Senator Evans' remarks, and suggested an alternate change. Representative Paccione remarked that new teachers are taught to infuse service-learning into their curriculum and commented on the addition to the bill of service-learning. Senator Bacon commented on the Senate language, noting it gives school boards a clear message from the General Assembly, but that it does not create a mandate on the board. He expressed his support of the phrase "if the school district deems it appropriate."

01:15 PM

Representative Todd suggested a tie-in to civic education, which the General Assembly did mandate. In addition, she suggested an extended date by which districts must adopt the policy. Senator Bacon responded, noting that each district has its own set of issues and that the General Assembly ought not to put another mandate on school boards. Representative Paccione said the House version of the bill reflects an intent that all school districts should adopt a community service policy. Representative Todd commented that school districts should take a strong stance on community service, and she noted her support of local control. She expressed concern with the phrase "deems it appropriate." Senator Bacon responded to Representative Todd's remarks.

01:20 PM

Jane Urschel, representing the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB), was called to the table to testify. She said CASB supports the Senate version of the bill, and noted that school boards are concerned about citizenship and community service.

01:21 PM

Representative Massey said he does not think any school board would refuse to adopt a community service policy. Senator Williams commented that it is an important issue and said the Senate came to consensus on its amendments. She commented on the addition of service-learning to the bill. She commented on the issues faced by rural and lower-economic area school districts and the flexibility they need.

01:24 PM

Representative Paccione described the difference between community service and service-learning. She asked Dr. Urschel to comment on the language on page 3 of the rerevised bill, lines 15 through 17. Dr. Urschel responded. Representative Massey commented on the language, expressing concern that it seems contradictory. Representative Todd responded to Representative Massey's comments. She noted that although she would like the General Assembly to send a stronger message, she would suggest the Senate version of the bill be accepted.


BILL:	HB06-1121
TIME:	01:27:51 PM
MOVED:	Todd
MOTION:	Moved to accept the rerevised version of House Bill 06-1121. The motion passed on a 6-0 vote.
SECONDED:	Massey
		VOTE
	Paccione	Yes
	Bacon	Yes
	Massey	Yes
	Evans	Yes
	Williams	Yes
	Todd	Yes
Final YES: 6 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

01:27 PM

Julie Pelegrin, Office of Legislative Legal Services, asked for clarification of whether a conference committee report should be prepared indicating the conference committee agreed to accept the Senate version of the bill, or whether Representative Todd would make a motion on the floor of the House to discharge the conference committee and concur with Senate amendments. Representative Todd said she would make such a motion and that no conference committee report would be needed.

01:30 PM

The conference committee adjourned.