F7BF444CF561949A87258B0300725363 Hearing Summary

Senators Michaelson Jenet and Coleman, primary bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 24-200, which by January 1st of every year, requires the Department of Human Services (CDHS) to update the department’s annual equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) report in collaboration with county departments. This includes reporting on the state’s progress in addressing data challenges in the child welfare case management system and progress in training child welfare staff on demographic data collection. The CDHS must also strengthen EDI training for child welfare staff and evaluate the impact of the trainings, and may extend the trainings to other child welfare agencies and entities. Any changes to the child welfare allocation funding model must consider resources to improve equitable outcomes.

Mollie Warren, representing Boulder County, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Paul Gamino, representing Larimer County Human Services, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Jamie Ulrich, representing Weld County, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked the panel questions.

Lauren Smith, representing Soul 2 Soul Sisters and Elephant Circle, testified to amend the bill.

Ms. Heather Allan, representing The Kempe Foundation, testified in support of the bill.

Meighen Lovelace, representing Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked the panel questions.

Ashley Jellison,
representing Colorado Children's Alliance, testified in support of the
bill.



Ashley Chase, representing Office of the Child's Representative, testified
in support of the bill.



MJ Coleman Jackson, representing themself, testified in support of the
bill.



Ms. Marla Fernandez, representing themself, was available to answer committee
questions.



Additional written
testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment E).

Senator Michaelson Jenet introduced and explained amendment L.001 (Attachment F).

Senator Michaelson Jenet introduced and explained amendment L.005 (Attachment G).

The bill sponsors provided closing remarks.