Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

COMMITTEE ON EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

Date:01/26/2010
ATTENDANCE
Time:08:14 AM to 08:22 AM
May
X
Morse
X
Place:HCR 0112
Penry
E
Weissmann
X
This Meeting was called to order by
Shaffer B.
X
Representative Carroll T.
Carroll T.
X
This Report was prepared by
Christie Lee
X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
Bills Addressed: Action Taken:
Reapportionment and Redistricting-


08:14 AM -- Reapportionment and Redistricting

Jerry Barry, Office of Legislative Legal Services, presented a bill concerning the redistricting process (Attachment A). He explained that the bill is similar to the bill that was drafted 10 years ago with only a few changes. Mr. Barry walked the committee through the bill. The bill updates the permanent statutes relating to redistricting by requiring the Colorado reapportionment commission appointed in 2011 to designate in its plan which senatorial districts will stand for election in 2012 and which in 2014. If a senator elected in 2010 vacates his or her seat prior to the start of the 2013 regular legislative session, the vacancy must be filled from the district from which the senator was elected; however, any election in 2012 must be from the newly drawn district. If such senator vacates his or her seat on or after the start of the 2013 regular legislative session, the vacancy must be filled from the newly drawn district.

100126AttachA.pdf

The bill creates the redistricting account in the legislative department cash fund, and specifies the allowable uses of moneys in the account. The bill contains a legislative declaration that, because 2012 is a presidential election year and precinct caucuses may be held on February 7, 2012, the time for the commission to complete its final plan is shortened. The declaration urges the commission and the Colorado Supreme Court to approve a final redistricting plan by December 14, 2011.

Additionally, the Legislative Council will compile specified information and computer databases for use by the reapportionment commission and the General Assembly in redrawing district boundaries. The Director of Research of the Legislative Council will acquire a computer system to prepare legislative districts. The bill specifies that election and voter registration information from the 2008 and 2010 general elections will be included in the computer database. The Executive Committee of the Legislative Council is authorized to adopt a policy for public access to the computerized database. The bill makes arrangements for commission staff, offices, and meeting rooms and for assistance from state agencies.

08:17 AM

President Shaffer asked why there are no changes to current law starting on page 6 of the bill. Mr. Barry explained that the language is new law, but will not appear in the Colorado Revised Statutes. The language will only be in the session laws since it is only needed temporarily. President Shaffer talked about the changes that were made from the 2001 bill. Mr. Barry confirmed the changes mentioned by the President. President Shaffer asked about a bill that was passed two years ago that he sponsored that moved up the caucus dates. Mr. Barry explained the dates for the caucus.
BILL:Reapportionment and Redistricting
TIME: 08:20:15 AM
MOVED:Shaffer B.
MOTION:Moved to introduce the draft bill presented by Jerry Barry (see Attachment A) as an Executive Committee bill, with Representative Weissmann and Senator Morse as sponsors, and the bill starting in the House. The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:Morse
VOTE
May
Morse
Penry
Excused
Weissmann
Shaffer B.
Carroll T.
Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection

08:21 AM

Mr. Barry asked whether the committee would like a safety clause on the bill. The committee said the bill does not need a safety clause. The remaining members of the committee signed on as co-sponsors.

08:22 AM

The committee adjourned.