H_ED_2018A 04/16/2018 01:46:56 PM Committee Summary

Representatives Pettersen and Wilson presented and summarized House Bill 18-1379 concerning public school finance. The sponsors distributed a handout from Legislative Council Staff on statewide base per pupil funding [Attachment A].

Dorman Land, representing himself as a teacher, testified in support of the bill.

Lisa Escarcega, representing the Colorado Association of School Executives, testified in support of the bill.

The previous three witnesses answered questions from the committee.

Jennifer Walmer, representing Education Reform Now and Democrats for Education Reform, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the impact of the negative factor on school funding.

Bill Jaeger, representing the Colorado Children's Campaign, testified in support of the bill. He spoke about the importance of funding early childhood education.

The previous two witnesses answered questions from the committee.

Amie Baca-Oehlert, representing the Colorado Education Association, testified in support of the bill. She talked about teacher expenses in Colorado.

Matt Cook, representing the Colorado Association of School Boards, testified in support of the bill.

The previous two witnesses answered questions from the committee.

The sponsors presented and summarized amendment L.001 [Attachment B].

Brita Darling, Office of Legislative Legal Services, discussed amendment L.001.

The sponsors provided closing comments. The members provided closing comments.

Representatives Duran and Winter presented and summarized House Bill 18-1391 concerning sexual misconduct in higher education. The sponsors answered questions from the committee.

Michelle Merz Hutchunson, representing the Colorado School of Mines, spoke for questions only.

The previous three witnesses answered questions from the committee.

Committee discussion ensued regarding the process in institutions of higher education for reviewing cases of sexual misconduct.

Cari Simon, representing the Fierberg National Law Group, testified in support of the bill.

John Clune, representing Hutchison Black and Cook Attorneys at Law, testified in support of the bill.

Pat O'Rourke, University Counsel and Secretary of the Board of Regents of the University of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

The previous three witnesses answered questions from the committee regarding the administrative process of sexual misconduct and the potential impact on criminal proceedings.

The sponsors answered questions from the committee.

Tyler Coward, representing the Foundation of Individual Rights in Education, testified in opposition of the bill. He discussed his concerns with the bill. He answered questions from the committee.

Mr. Coward continue to answer questions from the committee.

Jess Davidson, representing End Rape on Campus, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her personal experience as a rape victim. Ms. Davidson answered questions from the committee.

Ken Fowler, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She shared her personal experience as a rape victim.

Jessica Higgins, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She shared her personal experience as a rape victim.

Raana Simmons, representing the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, testified in support of the bill. She answered questions from the committee.

The sponsors distributed and discussed amendment L.003 [Attachment C].

The committee members provided closing comments on the bill.