48D91111F9C545B6872583A00061CD31 Hearing Summary

Representative Singer recessed the committee.

Representative Singer called the meeting back to order.

Representative Michaelson Jenet and Representative Esgar, bill sponsors, presented House Bill 19-1129 to the committee.  This bill prohibits the use of conversion therapy by physicians specializing in psychiatry and licensed, certified, or registered mental health providers on a patient under the age of 18.  The bill defines conversion therapy as any practice that seeks to change an individual's sexual orientation or gender identity.

Representative Singer proceeded with witness testimony on the bill.

Dr. Robert Werthwein, Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill.  Dr. Werthwein responded to committee questions.

Brad Allen Reubendale, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Owen Ziegler, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Francis Lyon, representing themselves, testified in support of the bill.

Heather Lundy Nelson, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

The witness panel responded to committee questions.

Carolyn Martin, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Jeff Johnston, Focus on the Family, testified in opposition to the bill and distributed handouts (Attachment E).

Pam Brown, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

The witness panel responded to committee questions.

Evie Hudak, Colorado PTA, testified in support of the bill.

Isaac Archuleta, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Laura Reeves, Interfaith Alliance, testified in support of the bill.

Sue Torfin, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Brad Bergford, Commission for Protection of Constitutional Rights, testified in opposition to the bill.  Mr. Bergford responded to committee questions.

Apryl Alexander, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Jody Ryan, Mental Health of Denver and Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Sarah Burgamy, Colorado Psychological Association, testified in support of the bill.

The witness panel responded to committee questions.

A handout was distributed to committee members (Attachment F).

Johnny Hultzapple, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Karen Langsley, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Matthew Shurka, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Benjamin Waters, LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce, testified in support of the bill.

The witness panel responded to committee questions.

Troy Miller, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Jenny Guenther read the testimony of an anonymous person, in support of the bill.

Amanda Chestnut read the testimony of an anonymous person, in support of the bill.

Jennifer Mitkowski, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Dana Torpey-Newman, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mary Parker, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ken Couch, Interfaith Alliance, testified in support of the bill.

Kathleen Boyer, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Kaelan Boyer, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Susan Marine, National Alliance on Mental Illness, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Karen Tonso, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Representatives Michaelson Jenet and Esgar gave closing remarks on the bill.

Committee members commented on the bill.