C0AAEC2834975AF887258AD8007187E8 Hearing Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representatives Winter and Snyder, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 24-1244, concerning the circumstances under which an autopsy report prepared in connection with the death of a minor may be released to certain parties. Representative Snyder explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Snyder responded to questions regarding amendments to the bill.  Public comment may be found in Attachment A.

Ms. Courtenay Whitelaw, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Matthew Stewart, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Jaime Pyrtle, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Hannah Quinn, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Kevin Vaughan, representing Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, Colorado Broadcasters Association, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Kelly Garcia Brauch, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Tim Regan-Porter, representing Colorado Press Association, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Dana Coffield, representing The Colorado Sun, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Candance White, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Discussion ensued regarding some potential amendments to the bill that may make HB 24-1244 more palatable to the opponents, and information access issues for the press and others created by the bill. Discussion followed regarding how crimes are discovered by the press.

Ms. Lily Rottenborn, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Jennifer Swain, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Michael Allen, representing 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Dan Olson, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding juvenile confidentiality in other areas of law.

Ms. Kelly Dietz, representing 7News/Colorado Broadcasters Association, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Kazi Houston, representing Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Randy Keller, representing Colorado Coroners Association, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Tim Lopez, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Al Stauch, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Adriana Robson, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Brian Cotter, representing Colorado Coroners Association, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Snyder explained the effect of amendment L.004 (Attachment B).

Discussion ensued regarding the potential for additional amendments to HB 24-1244 in the future.

Representatives Snyder and Winter provided closing remarks in support of HB 24-1244. Various committee members commented on the bill.