The broadband deployment board in the department of regulatory agencies (board) implements and administers a grant program regarding the deployment of broadband service in unserved areas of the state. Upon a telecommunications provider's application for funding of a proposed project to provide access to a broadband network in an unserved area of the state, the board must allow an incumbent telecommunications provider in the unserved area the right of first refusal with regard to implementing a broadband deployment project for the unserved area. The board is required to develop criteria regarding an incumbent telecommunications provider's exercise of its right to develop a broadband project in an unserved area upon another telecommunications provider having submitted to the board a proposed project for the unserved area. The bill requires that the board's criteria include requirements that an incumbent telecommunications provider exercising its right to implement a broadband deployment project for the unserved area agree to provide demonstrated downstream and upstream speeds equal to or faster than the speeds indicated in the applicant's proposed project and at a cost per household that is equal to or less than the cost per household indicated in the applicant's proposed project. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More
Section 1 of the bill amends the definition of "broadband network" to increase the speed of downstream broadband internet service from at least 4 megabits per second to at least 10 megabits per second and the definition of "unserved area" to refer to areas that are unincorporated, or within a city with a population of fewer than 7,500 inhabitants, and that are not receiving federal broadband support. Section 2 requires the public utilities commission, on January 1, 2019, to allocate 20% of the total amount of high cost support mechanism (HCSM) money that nonrural incumbent local exchange carriers would otherwise receive to the HCSM account dedicated to broadband deployment, and to allocate an additional 20% of the total money that nonrural incumbent local exchange carriers would otherwise receive on January 1 of each subsequent year until, on January 1, 2023, all of the money that nonrural incumbent local exchange carriers would otherwise receive is allocated to the HCSM account dedicated to broadband deployment. Section 2 also removes a requirement that the commission reduce the amount of the HCSM surcharge by a certain percentage of the money transferred from the HCSM to the broadband fund for the deployment of broadband into rural areas. Section 2 requires that the HCSM surcharge amount that existed on January 1, 2019, be maintained as the surcharge amount; except that, on and after July 1, 2023, the commission may reduce the rate to ensure that the amount of money collected by the surcharge does not exceed $25 million per year. Finally, for the period of January 1, 2019, through January 1, 2023, section 2 maintains the amount of support received by rural telecommunications providers for basic service at the level of support they received on January 1, 2016. Section 3 updates language regarding the use of money from the HCSM for broadband deployment grant applications approved by the broadband deployment board (board) to have money transferred directly from the HCSM to approved broadband deployment grant applicants. Section 3 also allows a grant applicant to apply for grants for multiple projects in a single year; however, the broadband deployment board may only award an applicant grants for more than one project if money is available for broadband deployment grants after the first round of broadband deployment grants have been awarded and disbursed in that year. Section 3 also prohibits the department of local affairs from implementing a broadband deployment program or approving a grant application concerning broadband deployment unless the board has determined that the program or application does not involve the same or a duplicate of any projects approved and funded. Section 4 repeals the public utilities commission's functions of administering the high cost support mechanism on September 1, 2024, subject to the department of regulatory agencies' review of the functions through its sunset review process.(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More
Statutory Revision Committee. Current law requires most public officials and many public employees to swear or affirm an oath of office. The bill establishes a single uniform text for swearing or affirming an oath of office and the requirements regarding how and when an oath or affirmation of office must be taken, subscribed, administered, and filed. All requirements must be completed prior to the official or employee entering upon the office. In the case of elected special district directors, the oath or affirmation must also be filed within 30 days of the election with the clerk of the court and the division of local government under the department of local affairs. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) Read More
Statutory Revision Committee. The bill amends section 13-21-101 (1), Colorado Revised Statutes, concerning interest on damages to reflect a 1996 decision made by the Colorado supreme court that ruled certain language in that subsection violated the equal protection clause of the constitution.(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More
Under existing law, school districts are permitted to operate induction programs for teachers, special services providers, principals, and administrators, and alternative licensure programs for teachers and principals, who do not hold professional licenses. The bill clarifies that charter schools and the state charter school institute may operate such programs. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More
The bill updates the Colorado code of military justice (code). Sections 1 and 2 of the bill define terms related to the code and clarify the applicability of the code. Sections 4 and 6 authorize commanding officers to arrest any enlisted member, impose certain disciplinary punishments without the intervention of a court-martial, and clarify those punishments and who may impose them. Sections 7 to 9 describe the punishments that may be imposed by general, special, and summary courts-martial. Section 9 also removes a person's ability to refuse trial by summary court-martial. Section 10 authorizes the assistant adjutant general for the space, cyber, and missile defense for the Colorado National Guard; the land component commander for the Colorado Army National Guard; or the wing commander for the Colorado Air National Guard to convene a general court-martial. Section 11 authorizes certain officers to convene a special court-martial. Section 13 permits a military judge to be detailed to a court-martial irrespective of military branch. Section 14 requires counsel in general or special courts-martial to be appointed as judge advocates. Section 15 classifies as felonies offenses for which an accused may be convicted by general court-martial and receive a sentence of confinement. A conviction by summary court-martial is not a criminal conviction. All other military offenses are misdemeanors. Section 16 authorizes the state to appeal certain decisions in a court-martial and prohibits the state from appealing a finding of not guilty by a court-martial or trial by military judge only. The bill describes the process for the state to file an appeal. Sections 17 to 29 make changes to existing offenses in the code. Section 30 creates an offense related to the possession and use of controlled substances. Section 31 establishes a process by which a member of the military forces may make a complaint against a commanding officer. Sections 3, 12, 13, and 14 require certain persons already required to be members of the Colorado state bar to be members in good standing. The bill makes conforming amendments. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More
The bill requires the broadband deployment board, on or before January 1, 2019, to petition the federal communications commission (FCC) for a waiver from the FCC's rules prohibiting a state entity from applying for federal money earmarked for broadband deployment in remote areas of the nation through the remote areas fund created as part of the connect America fund established by the FCC. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More
Under current law, the public utilities commission is directed to grant simplified regulatory treatment to water companies that serve fewer than 1,500 customers. The bill expands on this concept by deregulating water companies that are registered as nonprofits, so long as their rates, charges, and terms and conditions of service are just and reasonable. The commission retains the right to entertain a complaint of unjust or unreasonable rates or practices, and to take remedial action, if the complaint is authorized by specified public officials or other persons. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More
Currently, certain liquor licensees may sell one opened container of partially consumed vinous liquor to a customer if the licensee has meals available for consumption on the licensed premises. The bill expands the requirement to include licensees that makes sandwiches and light snacks available for consumption on the premises. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More
The bill recreates the former health care task force, renamed as the statewide health care review committee, to study health care issues that affect Colorado residents throughout the state. The committee consists of the members of the house of representatives committees on health, insurance, and environment and on public health care and human services and the senate committee on health and human services. The committee is permitted to meet up to 2 times during the interim between legislative sessions, including 2 field trips. For the 2018-19 fiscal year, the bill appropriates $23,951 from the general fund to the legislative department to implement the bill. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More
Early Childhood and School Readiness Legislative Commission. The bill amends the application and eligibility requirements for the school-readiness quality improvement program and the infant and toddler quality and availability grant program to align with the Colorado shines quality rating and improvement system to streamline the administration of the programs. The bill removes obsolete references to early childhood and education councils. The bill makes conforming amendments to reflect the references changed in the bill and to remove terms no longer used in the programs. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More
Current law does not guarantee that an individual who has the genetic condition known as Prader-Willi syndrome will receive crucial services and supports that are available for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The bill adds Prader-Willi syndrome to the list of persons who have mandatory eligibility for services and supports and also to the definition of an 'intellectual and developmental disability' for the purpose of receiving services and supports. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More
