S_SA_2020A 06/12/2020 12:42:10 PM Committee Summary

Senator Lundeen explained House Bill 20-1297, concerning clarifying that personal immunization exemptions cannot be used as the sole basis for child abuse or neglect for hte purposes of Colorado's children code. 

Dustin Frontin, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He discussed his experience as a foster parent.

Carolyn Martin, representing the Christian Home Educators of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Laurel Ann Flahive, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Theresa Wrangham, representing National Vaccine Information Center, testified in support of the bill.

Else Creeder, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Cynthia Whittenson, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Lundeen explained Amendment L. 010 (Attachment A) concerning medical autonomy.

Discussion ensued about the amendment and if it fits under the bill title.  The proponents argued the urgency of it.  The chair ruled that the amendment does not fit under the title. 

Senator Lundeen made closing remarks about the bill. 

The committee took a brief recess. 

The committee reconvened. 

Senator Coram, co-prime sponsor, presented House Bill 20-1296, concernig changing the statute of limitations aplicable to civil actions alleging sexual misconduct for which the statute of limitations has not yet run as of January 1, 2021. 

Senator Gonzales, co-prime sponsor, acknowledged that the bill addresses a critically important issue but asked that it be postponed until September 1, 2020. 

Raana Simmons, representing the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, testified in support of the bill.  She expressed disappointment that the bill is not going forward. 

Senator Coram stated that he did not support postponing the bill until September 1, 2020. 

Senator Gonzales pledged to support and revisit this issue in 2021. 

Committee members questioned why the bill was not moving forward. 

The Chair explained a number of concerns about the bill as written, including retroactive and interstate issues. 

Written testimony for House Bill 20-1296 can be found in Attachment B.

Senators Smallwood and Ginal, co-prime sponors, explained House Bill 20-1245, concerning hospital patient visitation rights during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The bill sponsors emphasized that patients, with and without COVID-19, are desparate for visitors.  They also explained that the bill was heavily amended in the House and is more of a legislative declaration in its current form. 

Dustin Frontin, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Senators Smallwood and Ginal made closing remarks.