S_JUD_2020A 03/09/2020 01:36:11 PM Committee Summary

Senators Cooke and Bridges, co-prime sponsors, explained House Bill 20-1229, concerning authorizing the Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) Board to establish a scholarship program for law enforcement agencies with limited resources to assist the agencies with the payment of tuition costs for peace officer candidates to attend an approved basic law enforcement training academy.  Senator Cooke outlined the merits of this bill, particularly for rural communities.  Senator Bridges emphasized that the bill does not increase vehicle registration fees.

Committee members asked questions about the distribution of vehicle registration fees. 

Erik Bourgerie, representing the Department of Law, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the distribution of vehicle registration fees and answered questions about POST training.

Shawn Mobley, reprsenting Otero County Sheriff's Office, testified in support of the bill. He discussed retention issues and job opportunities in rural Colorado.

Senators Cooke and Bridges distributed and explained Amendment L.005 (Attachment A), which clarifies who is eligible to receive the scholarship funds. 

Senator Fields, sponsor, explained House Bill 20-1270 concerning the consent of one parent for a licensed professional person to treat a minor for a behavioral health disorder.  She discussed the need to reduce barriers for minors to receive mental health services and also outlined safeguards in the bill.

Committee members asked questions about the application of the bill. 

Shelby Ross, Office of Legislative Legal Services, answered questions about how the bill applies to married couples, legal separations, and divorce. 

Committee discussion followed about parental rights and court orders. 

Dr. Ryan Burkhart, representing the Colorado Counseling Association, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the ways in which mental health professionals are governed and answered questions from the committee about the bill's application and age of consent.

Committee discussion followed about liability and access to mental health services for minors.   

Valerie Schlect, representing the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.  She answered questions from the committee about joint custody and mental health treatment of a child. 

The Chair laid the bill over to Wedneday, March 11, 2020.