AED436F39AAFB7AD8725827B006E07EB Hearing Summary

Representative Reyher, bill sponsor, explained House Bill 18-1223 to the committee.  The bill requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment to examine whether there is an autism epidemic, and if so, to take appropriate measures to protect public health.  Handouts were distributed to the committee [Attachments A, B, C, and D].

Dr. Cynthia Nevison, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.  Dr. Nevison gave a Power Point presentation which was distributed [Attachment E].  

Dr. Mark Blaxill, representing Health Choice, testified in support of the bill.  Dr. Blaxill gave a Power Point presentation which was distributed [Attachment F].

Dr. Nevison and Dr. Blaxill responded to committee questions.

Corey Robinson, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill and distributed a handout [Attachment G].

Victoria St. John, representing the Autism Society of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Andrea Clement-Johnson, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Representative Ginal made an announcement concerning the time restrictions on the committee hearing.

Dawn Fritz, representing the Colorado Parent Teacher Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Jill Pidcock, representing the Arc of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Clement-Johnson and Ms. Pidcock responded to committee questions.

Carolyn Reed, representing herself, testified in support of the bill and distributed a handout [Attachment H].

Darcy Reed, representing herself, testified in support of the bill and distributed a handout [Attachment I].

Phil Silberman, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Francis Sincere, representing himself, testified in support of the bill and distributed handouts [Attachments J, K, and L].

Spirit Wilson, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Pam Long, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Long responded to committee questions.

Chris Wells, representing the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, testified in a neutral capacity on the bill.

Linda Rosa, representing Advocates for Children in Therapy, testified in opposition to the bill.

Bob Lawhead, representing the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, testified in opposition to the bill and distributed a handout [Attachment M].

Michael Hoover, representing the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, testified in opposition to the bill and distributed a handout [Attachment N].

Mr. Lawhead responded to committee questions.

Mr. Well responded to committee questions.

Yael Cohen, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Theresa Wrangham, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Julie Cook, representing the Alpine Autism Center, testified in support of the bill and distributed documents [Attachments O and P].

Sarah Carrasco, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Julie Denton, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Ginal concluded witness testimony.

Representative Reyher made closing remarks.

Committee members commented on the bill.