H_AGR_2016A 02/22/2016 01:30:00 PM Committee Summary

01:30 PM -- HB 16-1170



Representative Coram presented House Bill 16-1170, concerning the continuation of the Division of Racing Events in the Department of Revenue (DOR). The bill continues the Division of Racing Events and the Colorado Racing Commission from July 1, 2016, until September 1, 2023. The Sunset hearing for this bill occurred on January 25, 2016. There was no testimony taken on the bill.

01:33 PM -- HB 16-1194



Representatives Mitsch Bush and J Becker presented House Bill 16-1194, concerning a temporary income tax deduction for a portion of lease payments received by a qualified taxpayer for leasing the taxpayer's agricultural asset to an eligible beginning farmer or rancher. Representative Mitsch Bush distributed a fact sheet regarding the bill (Attachment A). The bill creates an income tax deduction for taxpayers that lease an agricultural asset, defined as land, crops, livestock, livestock facilities, farm equipment, grain storage, or irrigation equipment, to a beginning farmer or rancher satisfying certain qualifications.



160222 AttachA.pdf



Representative Mitsch Bush also distributed and read testimony from Jo Stanko, Stanko Ranch, to the committee (Attachment B).



160222 AttachB.pdf







The following persons testified on the bill:



01:43 PM -- James Craig, United Veterans Committee of Colorado (UVCC), spoke in support of the bill.



01:47 PM -- Steve Holdren, Colorado Livestock Association, spoke in support of the bill.



01:49 PM -- Paula Sarlls, President, Women Marine's Association, spoke in support of the bill.



01:50 PM -- Denny Calderwood, Colorado Farm Bureau, spoke in support of the bill and responded to questions from the committee.



01:56 PM -- Dan Graeve, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union and True Roots Farm, spoke in support of the bill and responded to questions from the committee.



02:01 PM -- Harrison Topp, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, spoke in support of the bill.

02:07 PM -- HB 16-1005



Representatives Esgar and Danielson presented House Bill 16-1005, concerning residential precipitation collection. Representative Esgar distributed a fact sheet regarding the bill (Attachment C) and a letter in support of the bill from Nicholas Gradisar of the Board of Pueblo Water Works (Attachment D). The bill allows for the collection of precipitation from the roof of a home in up to two rain barrels with a combined storage capacity of 110 gallons or less under certain conditions. Representative Esgar explained that she plans to introduce two amendments to the bill. Representative Danielson responded to questions from the committee regarding potential injury to water right holders and committee discussion ensued. Representative Esgar distributed and explained Amendment L.002 (Attachment E) and Amendment L.005 (Attachment F).



160222 AttachC.pdf160222 AttachD.pdf160222 AttachE.pdf160222 AttachF.pdf



02:18 PM



Jennifer Berman, Office of Legislative Legal Services, stated that there are 18 states with a prior appropriation doctrine. Committee discussion ensued regarding other states' policies regarding rain barrels and which of those states are considered headwater states.



The following persons testified on the bill:



02:24 PM -- Reagan Waskom, Director, Colorado Water Institute and Chair, Colorado State University (CSU) Water Center, spoke about the bill and distributed a fact sheet regarding the analysis of rain barrels on surface runoff (Attachment G). Mr. Waskom stated that he does not have an official position on the bill, but that he was there to present facts and respond to questions. Mr. Waskom described a recent study conducted by CSU which explored the effects on runoff and infiltration of 100 gallons of rainwater capture capacity for a typical household using scientific methods and Colorado-specific (Denver) climatic conditions. Mr. Waskom described the methodology of the study and explained that the study determined that there was no significant or measurable difference in the runoff of a developed lot with rain barrels. Mr. Waskom also discussed the adoption rates of rain barrels and responded to questions from the committee regarding the impact of rain barrels on downstream users.



160222 AttachG.pdf



02:37 PM -- Jason Story, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill.



02:41 PM -- Karen Kalavity, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill.



02:44 PM -- Gene Manuello, Colorado Cattleman's Association and Lower South Platte Water Conservancy District, spoke in opposition of the bill and responded to questions from the committee.



02:49 PM -- Jim Yahn, North Sterling and Pruitt Reservoirs, Water Rights Association of the South Platte, spoke in opposition of the bill. Mr. Yahn discussed the study conducted by CSU and the effect of rain barrels on downstream water users. Mr. Yahn responded to questions from the committee and committee discussion ensued.













03:18 PM



Committee discussion continued regarding the prior appropriation doctrine, the effect of rain barrels on the prior appropriation system, and potential injury to downstream water users.



03:23 PM -- James Eklund, Director, Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), spoke about the bill and stated that CWCB supports the concept of rain water harvesting but does not have an official position on this particular legislation. Mr. Eklund stated that rain barrels can be used in order to educate water users about their water use and that CWCB supports more water innovation ideas such as rain water harvesting. Mr. Eklund responded to questions from the committee.



03:28 PM



Pat Ratliff, South Metro Water Supply Authority (SMWSA), spoke in opposition to the bill, and stated that she would support the bill if it were amended to address concerns raised by the SMWSA.



03:31 PM -- Kevin Rein, Deputy State Engineer, Division of Water Resources, stated he was available for questions. Mr. Rein responded to questions from the committee regarding potential injury to downstream water users by precipitation harvesting, the Colorado River Compact, and the regulation of livestock water tanks on agricultural lands.



03:41 PM -- Drew Beckwith, Western Resource Advocates, spoke in support of the bill and distributed a handout regarding the bill (Attachment H). Mr. Beckwith responded to questions from the committee.



160222 AttachH.pdf

03:53 PM



Representative Becker distributed Amendment L.007 (Attachment I) and explained the amendment to the committee. Committee discussion ensued regarding the amendment.



160222 AttachI.pdf

04:03 PM



Representatives Danielson and Esgar concluded their comments on the bill.

04:19 PM



The committee adjourned.