Senator Exum, primary bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 25-197 which repeals individual programs within the Tony Grampsas Youth Services Program (grant program) and instead lists them as allowable uses for grant money under the broader grant program. It consolidates their separate cash funds into the Youth Services Program Fund. The bill maintains current funding streams to support the grant program.

The bill also transfers responsibilities held by the grant program board to the Department of Human Services (CDHS), including selecting grant recipients and grant awards. It removes the local public-to-private funding match requirements and requires certain grant recipients to submit information on program outcomes annually to CDHS.

Committee members asked the bill sponsor questions.

Ms. Elycia Cook, representing Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Michel Salas Holien, representing Kempe Foundation, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Marion Batayte, representing Parent Possible, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Stuart Jenkins, representing Colorado Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Heather Tritten, representing CO Children's Campaign, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Aaron Miltenberger, representing Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Luis Valley, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members made comments to the panel.

Mr. Dane Washington, representing Park Hill Pirates, testified in support of the bill. Nancy Chittick, representing Colorado Department of Human Services, was available to answer committee questions. Narcy Jackson, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Meghan Stidd, representing CDHS, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Exum explained amendment L.001 (Attachment A).

Senator Exum explained amendment L.002 (Attachment B).

Senator Exum provided closing remarks.

Committee members provided closing remarks.