H_JUD_2020A 02/06/2020 02:04:50 PM Committee Summary

Representatives Weissman and McKean, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 20-063. The bill updates the Department of Law's statutes to codify current practices and eliminate outdated language. They responded to questions from the committee.

Kurt Morrison, representing the Department of Law, testified in support of the bill. He responded to questions from the committee.

The committee took a brief recess.

The committee returned to order.

Representatives Buckner and Ransom, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 20-1147. The bill clarifies that allowing a child of sufficient maturity and ability to do certain independent activities is not grounds for determining child abuse or neglect.

The sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Committee discussion with the sponsors continued.

Crista Sheffield, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Heather Thompson, representing Elephant Circle, testified in support of the bill.

The panel of witnesses responded to questions from the committee.

Courtney Judd, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

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

Ruchi Kapoor, representing the Office of the Respondent Parent Council, testified in support of the bill.

The panel of witnesses responded to questions from the committee.

Discussion continued.

Jen Collins, representing the Denver City Attorney's Office, testified in opposition to the bill unless it is amended.

Ashley Chase, representing the Office of the Child's Representative, testified in opposition to the bill unless it is amended.

Leslie Irwin, representing Boulder County, testified opposition to the bill.

Jennifer Mulenback, representing the Jefferson County Attorney's Office, testified in opposition to the bill unless it is amended.

The witness panel responded to questions from the committee.

Representatives Ransom and Buckner wrapped up their presentation of the bill and stated their commitment to work on amendments. They explained some of the possible amendments. Representative Weissman announced that the bill would be laid over for action.

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order.

Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez returned to discuss House Bill 20-1088, which was originally heard by the committee on January 28, 2020. She recapped the testimony on the bill and explained strike-below amendment L.006 (Attachment B) and amendment L009 (Attachment A), which amends L.006. She indicated that the Colorado District Attorneys' Council is neutral on the bill with the passage of L.006 and L.009.

The committee discussed the bill and the amendments with Senator Gonzales-Guitierrez.

Members of the committee commented about their positions on the bill.