B75A81055DA1E3DC872589A300818DA2 Hearing Summary

Representatives Snyder and Armagost, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 23-064, concerning the Office of Public Guardianship. Representative Snyder explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.  Representative Armagost provided additional input on the merits of the bill.

Maureen Welch, representing Navigating Disability Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dennis Valentine, representing himself, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Ms. Sophia Alvarez, representing Colorado Office of Public Guardianship, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Coral Cosway, representing Alzheimer's Association, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Deb Bennett-Woods, representing Commission on the Office of Public Guardianship, testified in support of the bill. Director - Office of Civil and Forensic Mental Health Leora Joseph, representing Colorado Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill. Bridget Garcia, representing Colorado Hospital Association, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Alvarez responded to questions regarding the reduced scope of the Office of Public Guardianship pilot program created by previous legislation, and the expansion of the program under SB 23-064. Ms. Alvarez responded to further questions regarding how people are directed to the office's programming. Ms. Garcia responded to questions regarding how clients are referred to hospitals in the absence of the Office of Public Guardianship's ability to do so.

Committee members received a packet of information supporting SB 23-064, prepared by the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition (Attachment B). Representatives Snyder and Armagost provided closing remarks in support of the bill. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.