Skip to main content
Colorado General AssemblyToggle Main Menu
Agency NameToggle Agency Menu

S_JUD_2022A 03/17/2022 10:33:43 AM Committee Summary

PUBLIC
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING
SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Date 03/17/2022
Attendance
Cooke X
Gardner X
Rodriguez X
Gonzales X
Lee X
Time 10:33:43 AM to 12:14:35 AM
Place Old State Library
This Meeting was called to order by Lee
This Report was prepared by Juliann Jenson
Hearing Items Action Taken
HB22-1279 Referred to the Committee of the Whole

10:33:47 AM

Senator Lee made opening remarks about committee process and decorum. 



HB22-1279 - Referred to the Committee of the Whole

10:37:06 AM  

Senator Gonzales presented House Bill 22-1279,  concerning the codification of a person's fundamental right to make reproductive health-care decisions free from government interference.   She noted challeges to Roe v. Wade and discussed ballot measures on the subject in Colorado. 

She responded to questions about Roe v. Wade, late-term abortions, rights of a fetus and crimes against pregnant women, fetal viability, and single issue policies, generally.   

 

 

11:08:48 AM  

Ms. Kyriaki Council, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the legal status of right to choose in Colorado.

Katherine Riley, representing Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights (COLOR), testified in support of the bill.

Emma Roth, representing National Advocates for Pregnant Women, testified in support of the bill.

Lizzy Hinkley, representing Center for Reproductive Rights, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed the bill's intent to prevent local governments from banning abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturned.

Committee members asked questions about constituional related issues and public funding. 

11:25:04 AM  

Further discussion ensued about abortion access, public entity intervention, and parental notification.   Discussion continued about Roe v. Wade and if it is overturned. 

 

 

11:36:56 AM  

Dr. Thomas Perille, representing Democrats for Life of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. He distributed a handout of his testimony (Attachment A). 

Mrs. Brittany Vessely, representing Colorado Catholic Conference, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Michele Couch, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Committee members asked the panel questions. 

 

12:04:17 PM  

Secretary of State Jena Griswold, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Jack Todd, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Nancy Fang, representing Colorado Section of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Michael Belmonte, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

The panel answered questions from the committee. 

 

12:31:32 PM  

Mrs Leslie Hanks, representing American Right to Life, testified in opposition to the bill.  She distributed a handout (Attachment B).

Mrs Kristy Neeley, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Giuliana Day, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Andrew LaRue, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Committee members posed questions to the panel.

12:45:49 PM  

Selina Najar, representing Cobalt, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Isabel Cruz, representing Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, testified in support of the bill.

Reverend Eric Banner, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Miss Sara Loflin, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

12:56:38 PM  

Dr Catherine Wheeler, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Jeff Hunt, representing The Centennial Institute, testified in opposition to the bill.

Alexandra Martinez, representing Bella Health and Wellness, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dr. Max Mitchell, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

01:09:08 PM  

Jenna King-Shepherd, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Christina Taylor, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Roy Taylor, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Shara Smith, representing The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

01:17:25 PM  
The prior panel answered questions from the committee.
01:19:23 PM  
Mrs. Brittany Vessely,
representing Archbishop Samuel Aquila of the Archdiocese of Denver, read
Bishop Aquila's testimony in opposition to the bill.



Nicole Hunt, representing Focus on the Family, testified in opposition
to the bill.



Teresa Diamond, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.
01:29:34 PM  
The prior panel answered questions from the committee.
01:29:47 PM  

Claudia Perez, representing Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, testified in support of the bill.

Nicole Hensel, representing New Era Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Lorenne Gavish, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Kristina Tocce, representing Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, testified in support of the bill.

01:48:05 PM  
The prior panel answered questions from the committee.
01:55:07 PM  

Mrs. Beverly Jacobson, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Kristine Hunerwadel, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dr. Biff Gore, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

02:03:55 PM  

Ms. Danielle Edwards, representing Colorado Womens Bar Association, testified in support of the bill.

Winnie Ye, representing All* Above ALl, testified in support of the bill.

Victoria Dadet, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Rev. Dr. Jenny Whitcher, representing The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

02:13:42 PM  

Janaya Fulk, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Rev. Bishop Jorge Rodriguez, representing Archdiocese of Denver, testified in opposition to the bill.

Rev. Bishop Stephen Berg, representing Diocese of Pueblo, testified in opposition to the bill.

Brooke Faulkner, representing Students for Life Action, testified in opposition to the bill.

02:25:00 PM  

Amanda Carlson, representing Cobalt, testified in support of the bill.

Dr Sabrina Holmquist, representing Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Gina Martinez Valentin, representing Colorado Doula Project, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Heather Jackson, representing Colorado Women's Bar Association, testified in support of the bill.

02:34:41 PM  

Ms. Linda Pace Saccomano, representing Alternatives Pregnancy Center, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Alethea Wingert, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Lauren Castillo, representing Students for life of america and students for life action, testified in opposition to the bill.

Committee members asked questions of the witness panel.

02:51:35 PM  

Angela Davis, representing self, testified to amend the bill.

Wil Fisher, representing self, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

02:58:05 PM  

Isaiah Rodland, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Pastor Jeff Rodland, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

03:02:00 PM  

Dr. Isadora Bielsky, representing Nation Council of Jewish women, testified in support of the bill.

Rev. Tamara Boynton, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Leanna Gavin, representing Colorado Women's Bar Association, testified in support of the bill.

Miriam Ordonez Rodriguez, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

03:14:20 PM  

Mrs. Lynn Grandon, representing Respect Life Office, Catholic Charities, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dr. Alexandra Hill, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dr Gary Jewell, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs Wendy Smith, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Committee members asked questions of the panel.

03:32:11 PM  

Jack Teter, representing Planned Parenthood, testified in support of the bill.

Rev. Marcella Schieffelin, representing The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Kate Kelly, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Lauren Smith, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

The panel responded to questions from the committee. 

 

03:46:37 PM  

Dr. Thomas Jensen, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Deanne Wikler, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms Dolores Martinez Hernandez, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Jennisue Jessen, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Lisa Lopez, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

04:04:16 PM  

The committee took a 15 minute break. 

Ms. Fawn Bolak, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Ms Leah Payne, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Lauren Chapin, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Sabrina Gomez, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked questions of the panel.

04:37:26 PM  

Dr. Lisa Van Bramer MD MSPH, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dr. Heidi Petak, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

04:45:52 PM  

Dr. Susan Gills, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr James Raymond, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

04:50:40 PM  
Mr Greg Lopez, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.
04:54:21 PM  

Jaki Lawrence, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Maggie Gomez, representing State Innovation Exchange, testified in support of the bill.

Kaitlin Altone, representing 9to5 Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Nicole Cappellino, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

05:04:37 PM  

Mrs Kristen Billings, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr Ayden Billings, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

05:11:23 PM  

Ms. Louise Myrland, representing The Women's Foundation of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Aubre Tompkins, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Professor Indra Lusero, representing Elephant Circle, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked questions of the panel.

05:27:36 PM  

Hudson Nyhart, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Teresa Aughenbaugh, representing Colorado Right to Life, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mark Aughenbaugh, representing Colorado Right to Life, testified in opposition to the bill.

05:35:41 PM  

Karly Schwab, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Rev. Roger Butts, representing The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Marlee Breakstone, representing Catholics for Choice, testified in support of the bill.

05:45:38 PM  

Mrs. Cathy Richard, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr Allen Ross, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr Daniel Zrust, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

05:55:00 PM  

Wendy Howell, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Dani Newsum, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Ms Sarah Long, representing Colorado Women's Bar Association, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked questions of the panel.

06:09:00 PM  
Ms. Sandra Gudat-Benke, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.
06:12:25 PM  

Mr. Francis Sinkule, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Charles Baca, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Tina Huston, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

06:23:01 PM  

Mr. Richard Havey, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Eileen Lech, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

06:28:38 PM  

Ms. Teresa Zoltanski, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Abigail King, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

06:34:52 PM  

Mrs. Julia Mansfield, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Gracie Eltiste, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr John Huth, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

06:43:57 PM  

Mrs. Cheryl Enyart, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs Kaydee Van Deren, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Ann Moore, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Rev David Meek, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.  He distributed a copy of his remarks to the committee (Attachment C). 

Committee members asked questions of the panel.

07:04:46 PM  

Kristen Aucott, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Elizabeth Aucott, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Nathan Aucott, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Pamela Anderson, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Kassandra Garrison, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

07:18:59 PM  

Mr. Ron Zapka, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Debra Zapka, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

07:24:03 PM  

Ms. Sara Reid, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Pricilla Pruitt, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Lori Engel, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

07:36:28 PM  

Mrs. Kristen Lee, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Beau Ballentine , representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Committee members asked questions of the witnesses.

07:43:36 PM  

Mrs Carmella Lewis, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Karl Oehling, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs Angela Watson, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

07:53:55 PM  

Deacon Ernest Martinez, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Gina Hoff, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dr. Scott Deeney, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

08:04:46 PM  

Dave Bernhardt, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Joellen Mitchell, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Matt Jelski, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Phillip Schwarz, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Erin O'Roarke, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

08:18:23 PM  

Ms. Kristen Day, representing Democrats For Life of America Education Fund, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Lindsey Peppers, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Julie Brannon, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Kim Patawaran, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

08:29:30 PM  

Mr William Bruno, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Chandler Glander, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Will Duffy, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Zachary Enyart, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.l.

08:38:38 PM  

Ms. Amanda Hicks, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Roxanne Duran, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Scott Shamblin, representing Colorado Right to Life, was available to answer committee questions.

Susan Sutherland, representing Colorado Right To Life, testified in opposition to the bill.

Committee members asked questions to the panel.

08:53:02 PM  
Mr. Dominic Enyart, representing KGOV Broadcasting, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Elizabeth Kraner, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Caelyn Duffy, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Brett Duffy, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

09:02:26 PM  

Derek Parrish, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Michael Enyart, representing Colorado Right to Life, testified in opposition to the bill. Dmitri Oehling, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill. Paula Cole, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

09:14:43 PM  

Adriana Perez, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Rachel Bieker, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Savanna Shurman, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Evan Kuzava, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

09:25:40 PM  

Dr. Joy Ruff, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Dana Hoff, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Julia DeBacker, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Lynn Christensen, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

09:37:30 PM  

Mrs. Rita Zartman, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Marilyn Gore, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Theresa Brandorff, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Laura Summers, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

09:49:19 PM  

Mr. Gerard Klazura, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Jennice Casady, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Danielle Syrup, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Jan Cook, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

10:09:31 PM  

Ms. Susan Maurer, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dr. Cara Brown, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dr. David Simon, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Committee members asked questions of the panel.

10:22:30 PM  

Mrs. Sandy Utz, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Renee Olmstead, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Michael Dill, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs Patricia Lynch, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

10:34:36 PM  

Mrs. Loli Valento, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Jeremy Ueberroth, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Anthony Oehling, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Nicole McBurney, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

10:45:08 PM  

Christa Mason, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs Diane Trujillo, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Hillary Mast, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Rachel Kopfle, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. David Whitworth, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

11:00:09 PM  
Kay Girodo , representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Simon Shamblin, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

11:06:16 PM  

Mrs Angela Eicher, representing Colorado Life Initiative Committee, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms Rebecca Hathorne, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dr. Sarah Warren, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr Wayne Trujillo, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

11:16:16 PM  
Mrs. Deborah Kasberg, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.
11:18:31 PM  
Mrs. Chelsea Mynyk, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Greg Meinholz, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Gregory Petruska, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mrs. Karen Tallentire, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Alexander Tallentire, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

11:28:11 PM  

Mrs Jill Hall, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. David Chapman, representing Mountain Area Community Coalition, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Kathy Hahn, representing self, testified to amend the bill. Ian Rutherford, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

11:38:15 PM  

Linda Dieter, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Patrick Shamblin, representing LGBTQ Hope, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Eric Robinson, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs Maybi Ramos, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Natalie Hall, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

11:49:03 PM  

Kim Caulfield, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

Jamille Moody, representing self, testified in opposition to the bill.

11:54:32 PM  
Dr. Elsa Dias, representing self, testified in support of the bill.
11:57:17 PM  
No amendments
11:57:42 PM  

Senator Gonzales made closing remarks.

Committee members made remarks in support of or in opposition to the bill. 



12:14:27 AM
Motion Refer House Bill 22-1279 to the Committee of the Whole.
Moved Gonzales
Seconded
Cooke No
Gardner No
Rodriguez Yes
Gonzales Yes
Lee Yes
Final YES: 3   NO: 2   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS


12:14:35 AM   The committee adjourned.






Colorado legislature email addresses ending in @state.co.us are no longer active. Please replace @state.co.us with @coleg.gov for Colorado legislature email addresses.  Details