E3BBD056567E53CE872586A3006BA7ED Hearing Summary

Senator Story, bill sponsor, explained Senate Bill 21-061, concerning claims for pre-majority economic loss incurred by a minor. 

Senator Story discussed common law, statutes of limitations, cases involving injured minors, and recovery of medical expenses. 

Ms. Molly Greenblatt, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She answered questions about the frequency of such cases, statutes of limitations, and subrogation. 

Megan Brand, representing CFPD-Colorado Fund for People with Disabilities, testified in support of the bill. She discussed financial stability and caregiver support.

Mrs. Megan Bowser, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her son's traumatic brain injury and public benefits. 

 Colleen and Michael Gagliardi, representing self, testified in support of the bill. They discussed their son's brain injury and timelines. 

Jennifer and Steve Pressey, representing themselves, testified in support of the bill. They discussed their daughter's health condition. 

Mrs. Christy Blakely, representing Family Voices CO & Arc of CO, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her daughter's cognitive disabilities and public benefits. 

Ms. Traci Van Pelt, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.  She discussed parental responsibility, the Candor Act, special needs trusts, common law, and subrogation.

Committee members asked questions about common law, statutes of limitations accrual and tolling.  

Further discussion ensued about when parents should reasonably know about a child's injury, statutes of limitations, and legal claims. 

Ms. Theresa Benz, representing Coloradans Protecting Patient Access, testified in opposition to the bill.  She discussed common law. 

Committee discussion followed about common law application for parents, statutes of limitations tolling and accrual, and reimbursement for past damages.  Questions were raised about the differences between parental and child claims. 

Kendra Beckwith, representing herself, testified in opposition. She discussed joint ownership issues. 

Mr. David Woodruff, representing Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed parental expectations and answered questions about hospital discharge instructions, statutes of limitations, and the Candor Act. 

Submitted written testimony for SB21-061 can be found in Attachment A.

Senator Story presented and discussed Amendment L. 001, which makes technical changes (Attachment B). 

Senator Story presented and discussed Amendment L.002, which makes additional technical changes (Attachment C). 

Senator Gonzales moved the bill to the Committee of the Whole. 

Senator Gardner made a substitute motion to the Committee on Appropriations. 

Senator Story gave closing remarks.