H_JUD_2022A 03/02/2022 01:36:03 PM Committee Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representatives Bacon and Michaelson Jenet, prime sponsors, presented HB 22-1234, concerning establishing a preventing identity-based violence grant program.  Representative Bacon explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Michaelson Jenet provided additional input on the merits of the legislation. Representative Bacon responded to questions regarding what constitutes "identity-based violence" under the bill, and references in the bill to protecting homeland security. Discussion ensued regarding whether a certain fact pattern would constitute identity-based violence under the bill. Discussion followed regarding rule promulgation under the bill.

Melanie Pearlman, representing the Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab, testified in support of HB 22-1234. Meredith Gleitz, representing One Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Kevin Klein, representing the Colorado Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Klein responded to questions regarding whether parents registering objections about schools would fall under the purview of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the monitoring of potential hate crimes by the division. Ms. Pearlman provided input on the latter question. Discussion ensued regarding potential civil liberties violations under the bill. Mr. Klein responded to questions regarding the functions of his division, and how the division will administer the bill's programming. Mr. Klein responded to further questions regarding the difference between state and federal homeland security functions. Discussion followed regarding hate crime measurement.

Mardi Moore, representing Out Boulder County, testified in support of HB 22-1234.

Rex Fuller, representing the Center on Colfax, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Bacon explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment A).

Representatives Michaelson Jenet and Bacon, prime sponsors, provided closing remarks in support of HB 22-1234. The committee discussed the merits of the legislation.

Representatives Froelich and Young, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 22-1240, concerning enhancing mandatory reporting for people required to report child abuse. Representative Froelich explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Young provided additional input on the bill's merits.

Stephanie Villafuerte, Child Protection Ombudsman, testified in support of HB 22-1240.

Ashley Chase, representing the Office of the Child's Representative, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the scope of duties for mandatory reporters when not acting in their official capacities, and mandatory reporter training. Ms. Villafuerte responded to questions regarding prosecution of those who are not fulfilling mandatory reporter requirements, and the ability of mandatory reporters to adhere to a 24-hour reporting requirement. Ms. Villafuerte responded to questions regarding protecting mandatory reporters in certain situations.

Katie First, representing Colorado Counties, Inc., testified in support of HB 22-1240.

Katie Facchinello, representing Illuminate Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Dawn Fritz, representing Colorado PTA, testified in support of the bill.

Allison Trop, representing the Colorado Chapter of the American College of Emergency Physicians, testified on HB 22-1240 from an "amend" perspective.

Elizabeth Newman, representing the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, testified on the bill from an "amend" position.

Jennifer Eyl, representing Project Safeguard, testified on the bill from an "amend" perspective. Discussion ensued regarding victim advocacy supporters as mandatory reporters.

Michelle Murphy, representing the Colorado Rural School Alliance, testified on HB 22-1240 from an "amend" perspective.

Amelia Lobo, representing Violence Free Colorado, testified on the bill from an "amend' perspective.

Indra Lusero, representing Elephant Circle, testified on the bill from an "amend' perspective.

John Finefrock, representing Rise Above Violence, testified on the bill from an "amend" perspective.

Yolanda Arredondo, representing the Department of Human Services, testified on HB 22-1240 from an "amend" perspective.

Representatives Froelich and Young made some remarks concerning the previous testimony on HB 22-1240. The chair laid the bill over for future action.

Representatives Daugherty and Van Beber, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 22-1245, concerning clarificiations related to the Foster Youth in Transition program.

Lauren Lanigan, representing the Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center, testified in support of HB 22-1245.

Kristin Melton, representing the Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Daugherty explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment B).

Representatives Daugherty and Van Beber provided closing remarks in support of HB 22-1245.

Representatives Tipper and Carver, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 22-1226, concerning the continuation of licensing requirements for massage therapists, and, in connection therewith, implementing the recommendations of the 2021 sunset report by the Department of Regulatory Agences.  Representative Tipper explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Carver discussed a forthcoming amendment.

Kristen Will, representing the Colorado School of Healing Arts, testified on HB 22-1226 from an "amend" perspective. Trevor Vaughn, representing the City of Aurora Licensing Division, testified on the bill an "amend" perspective.

Representatives Tipper and Carver provided closing remarks in support of HB 22-1226. The committee discussed the merits of the legislation.