S_JUD_2019A 04/01/2019 01:36:20 PM Committee Summary

Senator Lee called the meeting to order.  A quorum was present. 

Senator Court explained HB19-1205, concerning allowing reimbursement for expenses for members of the Restorative Justice Coordinating Council. 

Liz Porter-Merrill, representing the Colorado Restorative Justice Council, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed that the bill will help in implementing restorative justice throughout the state.

Matt Riede, representing the Colorado Restorative Justice Council, testified in favor of the bill.

The committee discussed how traffic ticket surcharges will not be used for this purpose.

Senator Court made closing remarks.

Senator Winter explained HB19-1224, concerning providing free menstrual hygiene products to people in custody.  Senator Winter answered questions about the bill's application.

Elisabeth Epps, representing the Colorado Freedom Fund, testified in support of the bill.  She relayed a personal experience of not receiving menstrual products while in jail.   

Senator Winter distributed and explained amendment L.004 (Attachment A) concerning eliminating menstrual cups and sponges from the bill due to health issues.  

Aaron Greco, representing the Colorado Department of Corrections, expressed concerns that menstrual cups and sponges may be shared, which poses health and safety issues.  

Senator Lee distributed and explained amendment L. 006 (Attachment B) which makes conforming changes. 

Senators Lee and Ginal, co-prime sponsors, explained SB19-193, concerning the continuation of the "Colorado Medical Practice Act", and, in connection therewith, continuing the Colorado Medical Board, eliminating the sixty-day limit on the pro bono license, repealing the requirements that a letter of admonition be sent to licensees by certified mail, and updating language and making technical amendments.  

Senators Lee and Ginal distributed and explained amendment L. 001 (Attachment C) which addressed concerns about suspensions and licenses. 

Dr. Thomas Horiagan, representing himself, spoke in opposition to the bill.  He referenced a hand-out that outlines his opposition to the bill (Attachment D).  He expressed particular concerns about the Colorado Physician Health Program. 

Dr. Lynn Perry, representing Colorado Medical Society, spoke in support of the bill.  She discussed the importance of monitoring medical practices and public safety.

Dr. Donald Stader, representing the Colorado American College of Emergency Physicians, testified in favor of the bill.  He discussed that the bill and amendment instills trust in patients. 

John Conklin, representing the Colorado Medical Society, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Gardner discussed the stakeholder process.

Senator Lee emphasized that the amendment was drafted in cooperation with the Colorado Medical Socity and attempts to balance protecting the public and the due process rights of the physician.