Final
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING

SENATE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Date:03/09/2009
ATTENDANCE
Time:01:36 PM to 02:20 PM
Boyd
X
Cadman
X
Place:SCR 353
Schultheis
X
Bacon
X
This Meeting was called to order by
Williams
X
Senator Williams
This Report was prepared by
Geoff Johnson
X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
Bills Addressed: Action Taken:
Conf 09-Confirmation Board of Veterans Affairs
Conf 09-Colorado Racing Commission
HB09-1124
HB09-1179
HB09-1150		Recommended to Full Senate
Recommended to Full Senate
Referred to the Committee of the Whole
Referred to the Committee of the Whole
Referred to Appropriations

01:37 PM

Senator Williams, Chair, called the meeting to order.

01:37 PM -- Confirmation Board of Veterans Affairs

Ralph Bozella, Longmont, commented on his appointment to the Board of Veterans Affairs and on his work life and tenure with the board. A copy of the Mr. Bozella's resume, and of the Governor's letter making the appointment to the board is attached (Attachment A). He noted that he has served on the board since 2001. He commented on efforts to increase educational opportunities for veterans in Colorado. He spoke of revenues in the Veterans Trust Fund and the need for adequate funding of veterans services.

090309AttachA.pdf
BILL:Confirmation Board of Veterans Affairs
TIME: 01:44:23 PM
MOVED:Bacon
MOTION:Moved that the confirmation of Ralph Bozella to the Board of Veterans Affairs be recommended to the full Senate. The motion passed on a 5-0-0 roll call vote.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Boyd
Yes
Cadman
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Bacon
Yes
Williams
Yes
Final YES: 5 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

01:44 PM -- Confirmations - Colorado Racing Commission

Mary Sharon Wells, Golden, commented on her appointment to the Colorado Racing Commission. A copy of the two appointees' resumes, and of the Governor's letter making the two appointments to the commission is attached (Attachment B.) Ms. Wells said that she is seeking a first term on the Colorado Racing Commission. She noted that she has always been a "racing fan," and that she has a desire to promote the racing industry. She said that racing is a part of the tradition of the western United States.

090309AttachB.pdf

01:46 PM -- Jack Pretti, Rifle, commented on his appointment to the Colorado Racing Commission. He noted that he is a "fourth generation native Coloradan," and that his family has been involved in racing for many generations. He said that he is seeking a second term on the Colorado Racing Commission.
BILL:Confirmations - Colorado Racing Commission
TIME: 01:50:35 PM
MOVED:Bacon
MOTION:Moved that the confirmations of Jack Pretti and Mary Sharon Wells to the Colorado Racing Commission be recommended to the full Senate. The motion passed on a 5-0-0 roll call vote.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Boyd
Yes
Cadman
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Bacon
Yes
Williams
Yes
Final YES: 5 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

01:51 PM -- House Bill 09-1124

Senator Veiga, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 09-1124, concerning certain conferences with an attorney representing a state public body that may be held in an executive session of the state public body. She said that she is carrying House Bill 09-1124 on behalf of the Colorado Attorney General. She commented on the situations in which public boards may currently hold an executive session and on requirements that executive sessions be recorded to facilitate potential legal investigations in the future.

The following person testified in regard to House Bill 9-1124:

01:54 PM -- Casey Shpall, representing the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, commented on the requirement in House Bill 09-1124 that a recording of each executive session be maintained for 90 days after the session. She said that there are approximately 180 boards and commissions in Colorado that will be subject to the provisions of House Bill 09-1124.
BILL:HB09-1124
TIME: 01:57:51 PM
MOVED:Bacon
MOTION:Moved that House Bill 09-1124 be referred to the Committee of the Whole and with a recommendation that it be placed on the Consent Calendar. The motion passed on a 5-0-0 roll call vote.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Boyd
Yes
Cadman
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Bacon
Yes
Williams
Yes
Final YES: 5 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

01:58 PM -- House Bill 09-1179

Senator Veiga, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 09-1179, concerning participation in the Address Confidentiality Program by a person who resides with a victim participant. She said that House Bill 09-1179 will protect crime victims, including victims of domestic abuse. She added that the bill will permit the protection of any person who lives with a participant in the Address Confidentiality Program.

The following persons testified in regard to House Bill 09-1179:

02:01 PM -- Amy Miller, representing the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence, supported House Bill 09-1179 and said that her organization has supported the state's Address Confidentiality Program since its inception.
BILL:HB09-1179
TIME: 02:05:46 PM
MOVED:Bacon
MOTION:Moved that House Bill 09-1179 be referred to the Committee of the Whole and with a recommendation that it be placed on the Consent Calendar. The motion passed on a 5-0-0 roll call vote.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Boyd
Yes
Cadman
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Bacon
Yes
Williams
Yes
Final YES: 5 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

02:06 PM -- House Bill 09-1150

Senator Williams, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 09-1150, concerning the administrative duties of the Department of Personnel and Administration. She said that many provisions of House Bill 09-1150 will increase the efficiency of the department. She noted that House Bill 09-1150 was initiated by the department.

The following persons testified in regard to House Bill 09-1150:

02:08 PM -- Scott Madsen, Director, Division of Central Services, Department of Personnel and Administration, commented on savings that the department may achieve as a result of House Bill 09-1150 through enhanced use of electronic notification.

02:10 PM -- Doug Platt, Director of Public Relations, Department of Personnel and Administration, commented on the department's use of electronic notification. He also commented on revenues accruing to the Professional Development Cash Fund under House Bill 09-1150.
BILL:HB09-1150
TIME: 02:19:39 PM
MOVED:Williams
MOTION:Moved that House Bill 09-1150 be referred to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a 5-0-0 roll call vote.
SECONDED:
VOTE
Boyd
Yes
Cadman
Yes
Schultheis
Yes
Bacon
Yes
Williams
Yes
Final YES: 5 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

02:20 PM

The committee meeting recessed.