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First Regular Session | 75th General Assembly
Colorado General Assembly

PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For HB25-1312

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Date Apr 1, 2025       Location Old State Library

HB25-1312 - Amended, referred to the Committee of the Whole
02:44:07 PM  
Representative Mabrey made some opening remarks on processes to be observed with respect to House Bill 25-1312. The committee recessed.
02:52:05 PM  
The committee returned to order.  Representatives Garcia and Stewart K., prime sponsors, presented House Bill 25-1312. The bill establishes several legal protections for transgender individuals related to court decisions, education standards, and discriminatory actions. Representative Garcia explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need, and also discussed stakeholding on the bill.  Representative Stewart provided additional input on the merits of the legislation.  Both sponsors further explained the effect of the bill.  Representative Garcia responded to questions regarding the short title of the bill, and the relationship between HB 25-1312 and legislation passed in 2024. Discussion ensued regarding the effect of section 5 of the bill, and potential constitutional concerns with the bill.  Discussion followed regarding the child custody implications of the bill, and stakeholding involved in the bill's creation.
03:29:13 PM  
Jessica Fenske, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Missy Espinoza, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Colleen Enos, representing Christian Home Educators of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Enos responded to questions regarding certain language the bill concerning coercive control.  Ms. Espinoza responded to questions regarding her testimony and her culture.
03:44:59 PM  
Ms. Heather Stauffer, representing Colorado Municipal League, testified to amend the bill.

Ms. Stauffer responded to questions regarding the potential for HB 25-1312 to penalize incidental and trivial acts, and protections for transgender individuals under current law.
03:50:46 PM  
Mrs. Erin Meschke, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Erin Brewer, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Cori Cohn, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Sharon Byrne, representing Women’s Liberation Front, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Brewer responded to questions regarding use of women's spaces. Discussion ensued regarding stakeholding of HB 25-1312 with regard to detransitioners, and medical issues associated with transitioning.
04:09:10 PM  
Evan de la Cruz, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Erin Lee, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Pear Joseph, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Dr. Rich Guggenheim, representing Gays Against Groomers, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Lee responded to questions regarding the impact of state law on certain custody situations.  Discussion ensued regarding the experiences of certain witnesses.
04:28:55 PM  
Dr. Roy Eappen, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Frank Lehnerz, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Sven Scharpen, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Judy Papenfuss, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Samuel Bentz, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Panelists responded to questions regarding their experiences. Dr. Eappen responded to questions regarding the potential dangers of some treatments.
04:51:40 PM  
Erica Unger, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Z Williams, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ashley Cordero, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Anaya Robinson, representing the ACLU of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Unger responded to questions regarding child custody and the impact of the bill, and certain caselaw. Discussion ensued regarding protections for parents under the bill, and the definition of "coercive control" in HB 25-1312.
05:14:36 PM  
Mr. Cody LeBlanc, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Harrison Tinsley, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Heather Hock, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Simon Amaya Price, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Denise Kmilek, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Dr. Lynda Zamora Wilson, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Amaya Price responded to questions regarding statements made during testimony
05:31:25 PM  
Eric King, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ashe Bowen, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Fallon Dalton, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Andy Cahallan, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. King responded to questions regarding how the bill would be beneficial in a prison setting. Mr. Cahallan responded to questions regarding name changes in the school setting, and a provision in the bill related to this issue.
05:49:48 PM  
Zorion Wilbanks, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mx. Wyatt Kent, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Olivia Compton, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Cayenne Wilcox, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding a violent incident in Colorado Springs.
06:01:28 PM  
Russell Fleming, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Vanessa Wilcox, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Autumn Matisek, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Alex Bouska, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Frankie Lynch, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
06:12:37 PM  
Rebekah Layton, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Rowan East, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Shane Wittstruck, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Sam Hubbard, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
06:21:46 PM  
Mr. Jonathan Helvoigt, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Jarrett Roster, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Kristopher Haanes, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mia Hughes, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Joe Jameson, representing Gays Against Groomers, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Hughes responded to questions regarding a British study concerning social transition.
06:38:22 PM  
Valerie Leal, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Jeany Rush, representing themself, testified to amend the bill. Mrs. Hope Scheppelman, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Lori Gimelshteyn, representing the Colorado Parent Advocacy Network, testified in opposition to the bill.
06:48:49 PM  
Ms. Gimelshteyn responded to questions regarding the stakeholder process in creating HB 25-1312, and her organization's observations regarding the treatment of certain children at school. Ms. Sheppelman provided input on the latter issue. Discussion ensued regarding the experiences of certain panelists.
06:58:39 PM  

Nancy Eason, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Kelly Notarfrancesco, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ashlie Steele, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Nancy Rumfelt, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Kevin McPeek, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. McPeek responded to questions regarding freedom of speech issues raised by HB 25-1312. Ms. Rumsfelt responded to questions regarding the promotion of certain ideas by schools, and how school districts accommodate parents with different parenting styles. Ms. Rumsfelt responded to further questions regarding bullying policies in schools.
07:20:54 PM  
Dr. Jax Gonzalez, representing One Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Brynn Lemos, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Flor Canales, representing Movimiento Poder, testified in support of the bill. Mx. Bri Buentello, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Sky Childress, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
07:32:32 PM  
Nia Costelloe, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. John Soto, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Amy Schneider, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Sol Swain, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Kaori Keyser, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
07:43:38 PM  
Mr. Nels Pine, representing the Denver Aurora Community Action Committee, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Harriet Falconetti, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Jennifer Rasmussen, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. William Flannagan, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mx. Ren Moore, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
07:54:15 PM  
Mrs. Andrea Nagy, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Kristen Muzzy, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Donna LaBelle, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Jody Nickerson, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Brandon Ribble, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Jeremy Randazzo, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Nagy responded to questions regarding comments she made during testimony.  Ms. Nickerson responded to questions regarding curriculum transparency.  Mr. Ribble responded to questions regarding comments he made during his testimony.
08:17:24 PM  
Mr. Corey Blair, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Dr. Travis Morrell, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Marilyn Gore, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. ShannonchoosennameShane Johnson, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Brad Bergford, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dr. Morrell responded to questions about gender-affirming care.  Mr. Blair responded to questions regarding free speech considerations with respect to HB 25-1312.
08:41:11 PM  
Josie Angel, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Kaiya Hughes, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Nya Blasingame, representing themself, testified in support of HB 25-1312. Amanda Blasingame, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Kathryn Kilner, representing Manitou pride and multiple businesses, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Andy McNulty, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. McNulty responded to questions regarding free speech considerations with HB 25-1312, and compelled speech. Discussion ensued regarding bullying in school.
09:06:50 PM  
Luca Serna, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Dylah Ray, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Michael DeSantis, representing the Jefferson Unitarian Church, testified in support of the bill. Angel B, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Sybil Vane, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Lidia Lopez, representing Movimiento Poder, testified in support of the bill. Grace Thorvilson, representing Local Progress, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Penelope Mercury, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding parenting, and bullying in school. Discussion followed regarding certain medical procedures, and certain religious issues.
09:38:04 PM  
Mx. Eden Campbell, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Jody representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Sam Muniz, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Montoya, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Meg Reed, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Tobi Cowdin, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Michael Zuniga, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
09:59:07 PM  
Ms. Saoirse Maloney, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mx. Elliotte Enochs, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Em Hollenstine, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Alex Sher, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
10:10:41 PM  
Ms. Alicia Rhodes, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding bullying in schools
10:29:56 PM  
Shaye Wentworth, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Jamie Hubbard, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Day Crittenden, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Kristine Toth, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ian Miller, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Hubbard responded to questions regarding certain legal protections, and free speech issues. Discussion ensued regarding conduct in schools.
10:46:08 PM  
Mrs. Tonya Allen, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Victor Longman, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Kerry Reyes, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Skylar Ramsey, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Spence Wilson, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
10:56:49 PM  
Rachel, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Billie Grant, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Elliott Wile, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Sofia Daley, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Katelyn Stenger, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
11:08:56 PM  
Ms. Elise Goss-Alexander, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Elizabeth Freudenthal, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Kacey Hicks, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Lucia Feast, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Adam Vena, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.
11:20:46 PM  
Alix Farley, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. David K, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Katalina Lambert, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Amber Dey, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Bugs, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
11:31:16 PM  
Keegan, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Rebecca Kesselring, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Emma Lovato, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Brad Bruce, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Asa, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
11:42:12 PM  
Xelda Spaulding, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Blake Hunsaker, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Gialana Dang, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Dante Dang, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Lainey Manning, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
11:53:20 PM  
Terra Greer, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Andrew Song, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
11:53:21 PM  
Written testimony may be found in Attachment A.
11:58:00 PM  
Representative Garcia explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment B).  Representative Garcia responded to questions regarding the ability of state agencies to update forms to conform to the bill as they phase out.  Discussion ensued on this point, and the fiscal impact of the bill.

12:02:04 AM
 Motion Adopt amendment L.001 (Attachment B)
Moved Garcia
Seconded Bacon
Armagost
Bacon
Caldwell
Clifford
DeGraaf
Espenoza
Garcia
Keltie
Zokaie
Carter
Mabrey
YES: 0   NO: 0   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  Pass Without Objection
12:02:05 AM  
Representatives Stewart and Garcia provided closing remarks in support of the bill. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.

12:47:43 AM
 Motion Refer House Bill 25-1312, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.
Moved Garcia
Seconded Clifford
Armagost No
Bacon Yes
Caldwell No
Clifford Yes
DeGraaf No
Espenoza Yes
Garcia Yes
Keltie No
Zokaie Yes
Carter Yes
Mabrey Yes
Final YES: 7   NO: 4   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS