H_LG_2017A 03/01/2017 Committee Summary

01:33 PM -- SB17-066



Representatives Saine and Lebsock, co-sponsors, explained the bill. There is a sunrise review process for groups seeking peace officer status. The bill clarifies that municipalities do not need to go through that process to employ a police force. Representatives Saine and Lebsock answered questions from the committee. Discussion ensued regarding the duties and responsibilities of a town marshall.



01:39 PM -- Corey Hoffmann, representing the town of Hudson, spoke in favor of the bill. Mr. Hoffmann explained that current law is ambiguous regarding the employing of a police force, and this bill clarifies the hiring process. Mr. Hoffmann also explained the differences, as defined by state law, between a marshall, sheriff, and police chief.



01:44 PM -- Meghan Dollar, representing Colorado Municipal League (CML), spoke in support of the measure. Ms. Dollar explained that CML supports local control and decision-making and believes this bill clarifies police force hiring practices.































01:45 PM



Representatives Saine and Lebsock made closing remarks and answered additional questions from the committee.

01:55 PM -- HB17-1198



Representative Gray, sponsor, explained the bill. The bill allows a special district having a five-member board to increase the number of board members to seven by the adoption of a resolution of the board of county commissioners or the governing body of the municipality that approved the service plan of the special district. If an increase is made, a board cannot be reduced back to five members. The bill also specifies the length of the initial term of each new special district board member and sets forth the election requirements. Representative Gray distributed amendment L 001 (Attachment A). The amendment clarifies that the new special district board members are to be elected and not appointed. Discussion ensued regarding the size and responsibilities of special district boards.



17HouseLocal0301AttachA.pdf



02:05 PM -- Evan Goulding, representing the Special District Association of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Goulding explained that a statutory procedure is necessary to move a board from five to seven members. He added that more members are needed in larger special improvement districts in order to provide full representation. He answered questions from the committee and discussed appointments and elections.





02:12 PM



Representative Gray made closing remarks about the amendment and the bill.

02:19 PM



The meeting adjourned.