Representative Velasco, bill sponsor, presented House Bill 23-1237. The bill requires evacuation alerts and other public safety alerts sent by a county or municipality to be sent in alternate languages, where necessary, beginning January 1, 2026, and instructs the Department of Public Safety to commission a study.

A panel of witnesses testified to the committee.

Alex Sanchez, representing Voces Unidas, testified in support of the bill.

Jack Johnson, representing Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Sheriff Lou Vallario, representing Garfield County Sheriff's Office, testified in support of the bill.

A panel of witnesses testified to the committee.

Shirl Garcia, representing themself, testified in support of the bill and presented a handout (Attachment D).

Allen Wentworth, representing American Lung Association, testified in support of the bill.

Garry Briese, representing Colorado State Fire Chiefs, testified in support of the bill.

Colin Laird, representing Colorado Communities for Climate Action, testified in support of the bill.

Matt Scherr, representing Colorado Communities for Climate Action, testified in support of the bill.

A panel of witnesses testified to the committee.

Emily Baer, representing the Town of Erie and Colorado Communities for Climate Action, testified in support of the bill.

Nick Robles, reading a statement for Marta Loachamin, representing Boulder County, testified in support of the bill.

A panel of witnesses testified to the committee.

JaciMarie Louise, representing Colorado 911 Advisory Task Force, testified in support of the bill as amended.

Katie First, representing Colorado Counties Inc., testified to amend the bill.

The committee asked questions to the panel.

The sponsor made closing comments. The committee made closing comments.