S_SA_2018A 05/03/2018 11:12:15 AM Committee Summary

Senator Zenzinger, co-prime sponsor, explained House Bill 18-1364, concerning the continuation of the Colorado Advisory Council for Persons with Disabilities, and, in connection therewith, implementing the sunset review recommendations from the Department of Regulatory Agencies, and making an appropriation.  She emphasized the bill provides a framework for Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance. 

Senator Martinez Humenik, co-prime sponsor, discussed the sunset review.

Chris Hinds, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill.  He answered committee member questions about moving the advisory council from the Governor's Office to the Department of Human Services (DHS). 

Christina Johnson, representing the Colorado Senior Lobby, testified in favor of the bill. 

Francesa Maes, representing the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, spoke in support of the bill. 

Senator Zenzinger distributed and explained Amendment L.009 (Attachment A) and L.011 (Attachment B).  Amendment L.009 relocates the advisory council to the DHS and L.011 addresses the administration of funds. 

Committee members discussed the relocation, sunset provisions, and advocacy. 

The committee recessed. 

The committee was called back to order.

Senator Kefalas, co-prime sponsor, presented House Bill 18-1380, concerning property-related expense assistance grants for low-income seniors and individuals with disabilities, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.  He emphasized that the bill updates the rebate with inflation and ties it to the index rate going forward.  He provided a history of the grant program and noted that these rebates are part of the long bill as a General Fund expenditure.  Senator Kefalas emphasized that these rebates primarily serve low-income renters. 

Senator Martinez Humenik, co-prime sponsor, discussed how the rebates assist seniors.

Kathleen Flynn, representing AARP, spoke in support of the bill.  She discussed senior-specific issues and the positive impact of rent and heat grants. 

Elizabeth Cheever, representing the Colorado Fiscal Institute, spoke in support of the bill. She noted that the rebate has not increased since 2014, and housing costs are rising disproportionately. 

Andrew Bennett, representing Energy Outreach Colorado, spoke in support of the bill.  He specifically addressed heating costs.

Kristopher Grant, representing the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, spoke in support of the bill. He discussed the positive impacts of indexing benefits to inflation.

Ed Shackleford, representing the Colorado Senior Lobby, spoke in favor of the bill.  He distributed three handouts that covered the financial impacts of an aging population, related program funding, and demographics (Attachments C, D, and E).

Jeanette Hensley, representing the Colorado Senior Lobby, spoke in support of the bill.  She discussed housing costs.

Fran Maes, representing the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in favor of the measure. 

Shari Foreman-Tizeno, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill.  She discussed how the grants have personally helped her.  

Senators Martinez Humenik and Kefalas made closing remarks and emphasized the merits of the legislation.  Senator Kefalas read into the record demographic information provided by Disability Law Colorado.

Senator Williams and Senator Gardner explained House Bill 18-1357, concerning access to behavioral health care services, and, in connection therewith, establishing an ombudsman for behavioral health access to care to assist consumers in accessing care, requiring the commissioner of insurance to report on compliance with mental health parity laws, and making an appropriation.   They further discussed the merits of an ombudsman and the stakeholder process.

Joshua Ewing, representing the Colorado Hospital Association, spoke in support of the bill.  He discussed the positive aspects of an ombudsman, including advocacy. 

Rebecca Swanson, representing Mental Health Colorado, spoke in support of the bill.  She discussed the difficulties many people, especially those who are suffering from mental illness or depression, have in navigating a complex health care system.

Fran Maes, representing the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed the difficulty in navigating the system and resorting to self-medicating. 

Christina Johnson, representing the Colorado Senior Lobby, spoke in support of the bill.  She discussed the prevalence of depression in the senior population.

Aubrey Boggs, representing the Colorado Mental Wellness Network, testified in favor of the measure.  She provided a personal account of needing support and having difficulty finding it in a complicated system.  

Committee members asked questions about marketing this new service and outreach. 

Senators Gardner and Williams wrapped up and presented amendment L.006 (Attachment F).  Senator Gardner explained that the amendment is a request from insurance carriers to narrow the definition of a behavioral health provider and also addresses licensing for health care facilities. 

Senator Williams and Senator Crowder presented House Concurrent Resolution 18-1002, which submits to the registered electors of Colorado an amendment to the constitution that prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for a crime and thereby prohibits slavery and involuntary servitude in all circumstances.   They emphasized the need to remove arcane language from the state constitution. 

Lee McNeil, representing Together Colorado, spoke in support of the resolution.  The witness discussed the arcane language in the constitution and negative representation.

Caitlin Trussel, representing Together Colorado, testified in support of the resolution.  She discussed reconciliation and her interest in the measure.

Senators Williams and Crowder made closing remarks and emphasized the merits of the resolution. 

The committee recessed.

The committee was called back to order.

Senator Fields, sponsor, presented House Bill 18-1276 concerning teaching competent history in public schools.   She discussed the benefits of teaching standards that include the contributions and history of all ethnic groups.  She discussed current law on this subject and reported that it needed updating.  The bill also adds the inclusion of Asian Americans to history curricula and forms a commission to review and report on implementation. 

Ramon Del Castillo, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill.  He provided examples of curricula in other states.

Luis Torres, representing himself, testified in favor of the bill.  He discussed curriculum and the framework currently used in Denver Public Schools.

Karla Gonzales Garcia, representing the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights, spoke in support of the measure.  She discussed the role of schools in developing knowledge and the importance of multi-cultural history.

Allyson Garcia, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed her experience as a higher education professional who works with first-generation students.

Iman Judah, representing Meet the Middle East, spoke in support of the bill.  She discussed the importance of cultural competency.

Linda Symank and Maria Wiesner, representing themselves as teachers, spoke in support of the measure.  They discussed teaching methods and talked about the benefits of engaging all students.

Tisha Townsend, representing herself as a student, testified in support of the bill. She talked about the importance of history.

Kent Wilmann, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.  He emphasized the importance of inclusive history.

Kirk Fry, representing himself, testified against this bill. He expressed concerns about budgets and mandated curriculum.

Committee members discussed teacher training, text books, and local school boards. 

Senator Fields made closing remarks and emphasized the importance of a statewide initiative on this topic.

Senator Donovan, sponsor, explained House Bill 18-1205, which creates a financial assistance program for individuals and families purchasing health insurance through Connect for Health Colorado in high-cost areas of the state. 

Christina Johnson, representing Colorado Senior Lobby, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Rachel Richards, representing Counties and Commissioners Acting Together, testified in support of the bill.  She distributed a flier regarding the bill (Attachment G).

Natalie Wood, representing the Bell Policy Center, testified in support of the bill and distributed a copy of her testimony (Attachment H).

Gini Pingenot, representing Colorado Counties, Inc., testified in support of the bill.

Senator Donovan made concluding comments regarding the bill.

Senator Donovan and Senator Coram, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 18-1384, concerning a study to identify affordable, competitive health care options for Colorado. The bill requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to study various options for health care coverage.

The senators requested for action on the bill to be laid over until the following day after witness testimony.

Margaret Hughes, representing AARP, testified in support of the bill and discussed studies that examined health care costs in several states, including in Colorado. She also emphasized the importance of qualitative and quantitative studies.

Rachel Richards, representing Pitkin County and Counties and Commissioners Acting Together, testified in support of the bill and distributed a letter from the Family and Intercultural Resource Center (Attachment I).

Natalie Wood, representing the Bell Policy Center, spoke in support of the bill.  She provided a copy of her testimony (Attachment J). 

Kelly Erb, representing the Colorado Rural Health Center, testified in support of the bill.  She talked about how the bill addresses affordability and is regionally focused.

A handout regarding the bill was distributed (Attachment K).

Committee members discussed coverage options and geographic options.

Christina Johnson, Colorado Senior Lobby, testified in support of the bill. She emphasized that the bill is needed for rural areas to keep costs down. 

Senators Coram and Donovan wrapped up and reitereated that insurance costs are increasing in rural Colordo. They noted the merits of the bill and mentioned that it is bipartisan, based on a cooperative, public-private partnership model, and it incorporates a Medicaid buy-in option.  

Senator Moreno and Senator Coram, co-prime sponsors, explained House Bill 18-1306, concerning ensuring educational stability for students in out-of-home placement, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation. 

Minna Castillo Cohen, Director of the Office of Children, Youth, and Families, Colorado Department of Human Services (DHS),, spoke in support of the bill.  She discussed graduation rates and positive outcomes of providing educational stability to youth in foster care.

Kristin Melton, Youth Services Manager at DHS, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed funding barriers to keeping a child in the school of origin. 

Ashley Chase, Colorado Office of the Child's Representative, spoke in favor of the bill.  She discussed the role of the guardian ad litem and the importance of school continuity. 

Committee discussion followed regarding age limits for school transportation and over-prescription of psychotropic drugs.

Erin Medina, representing Mile High United Way, testified in support of the bill.

Michaya Collins, representing herself as a youth in foster care, spoke in favor of the measure.  She talked about the ramifications of being placed in multiple schools.

Senators Coram and Moreno wrapped up and reiterated the merits of the bill. 

Senator Hill distributed Amendment L.005 (Attachment L).

Senator Moreno and Senator Merrifield, co-prime sponsors, explained House Bill 18-1368, concerning the repeal of the prohibition on local governments enacting minimum wage laws. The bill sponsors provided statistics regarding low wage workers and noted the differences in cost of living expenses across the state.

Sonia Riggs, representing the Colorado Restaurant Association, testified against the bill. She discussed restaurants and tight profit margins.  She emphasized that disparity in minimum wages will impact small businesses. 

Bre Andrews, representing the AFL-CIO, spoke in support of the bill. She discussed how it would protect workers and ensure a more equitable pay structure.

Eric Leveridge, representing United for a New Economy, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed how wages lag behind cost of living. 

Robel Worku, representing Colorado People's Alliance, spoke in support of the bill.  He discussed cost of living and jurisdictional issues. 

Debra Brown, representing Good Business Colorado, spoke in support of the bill.  She discussed retention issues.

Daniel Kimbrough, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill.  He noted how he is barely making ends meet working at an after-school program. 

Andrew Hamer, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed how a guaranteed minimum wage would help his family. 

Steve O'Dorisio,  Adams County Commissioner, spoke in support of the bill.  He distributed a letter in support of the measure from the Adams County Board of Commissioners (Attachment M). 

Michelle Webster, representing Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in favor the bill.  She emphasized that wages have been stagnant for the majority of workers.

A handout from the National Employment Law Center was distributed (Attachment N). 

A handout regarding self-sufficiency wages across the state was distributed (Attachment O).

Lindsey Vigoda, representing the Bell Policy Center, testified in support of the bill.  She supported giving local governments the power and choice to respond to unique needs.

Mary Lou Chapman, representing the Rocky Mountain Food Industry Association, spoke in opposition to the bill.  She stated that different wages would cause unnecessary competition between businesses. 

Tony Gagliardi, representing the National Federation of Independent Business, testified against the bill. He stressed that differing wages across jurisdictions would be too confusng and difficult to track. He also brought up constitutional issues.

Senators Moreno and Merifield wrapped up and raised points about wages not keeping up with cost of living.

Senator Marble stated that a vote would occur when all committee members are in attendance. 

Senator Kerr, sponsor, explained House Bill 18-1318, concerning a requirement that candidates for certain federal executive offices file income tax returns with the Secretary of State.  He discussed public expectations and transparency. 

Elizabeth Steele, representing Colorado Common Cause, spoke in support of the bill.  She discussed the need for an informed citizenry and public trust. 

Senator Kerr made closing remarks about the merits of the bill and discussed state senate disclosure requirements. 

Senator Marble announced that a vote on the bill will be postponed until all committee members are present. 

Senator Fenberg, sponsor, explained House Bill 18-1403, concerning the expanded disclosure of information in disclaimer statements about persons paying for certain forms of political communication. He discussed the merits of the bill and said that it adds consistency to disclosure laws. 

Elizabeth Steele, representing Colorado Common Cause, spoke in support of the bill.  She stressed that is important to expand the form of media that require disclaimers or disclosures.

Senator Marble announced that a vote on the measure will be postponed until all committee members are in attendance. 

Senator Fenberg, sponsor, explained House Bill 18-1415, concerning the regulation of student loan servicers.  He discussed that student debt is hitting a crisis point.

Charlotte Olena, representing New Era Colorado, testified in favor of the measure.  She discussed the existing gap in oversight and licensing for student loan processors.  She distributed a handout about the effects of student loan debt on veterans (Attachment P). 

Samantha Saccomanno, representing the Bell Policy Center, spoke in support of the bill.  She discussed how loans impact economic mobility.

Karen Cody-Hopkins, representing Cody Hopkins Law, spoke in support of the bill.  She explained the state's involvement with student loans and clarified that the state does not regulate loan service providers.

Dylan Robinson-Ruet, representing himself as a student at CU Boulder, spoke in favor of the bill.  He discussed the need for student loan servicers to play by the same rules. 

Ross Talley, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.  He spoke about predatory lenders. 

Elliot Ferrell-Carretey, representing himself as a student at Rocky Mountain School of Expedentiary Learning, testified in support of the bill. He expressed concerns that student loan servicers are not following rules.

Theodore Cole, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill.  He discussed student loans.

Sarah Mercer, representing Nelnet, spoke in opposition to the bill.  She noted that student loan servicers are sympathetic to the issue and provided statistics regarding resolutions and defaults.  She answered questions from the committee about student loan origination agencies, loan transfers, licensing, and other state regulatory schemes. 

Senator Fenberg made closing remarks about the bill.  He emphasized the costs of higher education and the lack of federal oversight for student loan servicers. 

Senator Marble announced that the committee will take action on bills heard earlier in the meeting, including HB18-1368, HB18-1318, and HB18-1403.

Senator Jones, sponsor, explained House Bill 18-1215, concerning enhanced protections regarding the disposal of naturally occurring radioactive materials, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.  He discussed oil and gas waste. 

Jennifer Opila, Colorado Radiation Program Manager in the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, made herself available for questions only. 

Chris Piper, representing Denver Water, spoke in support of the bill.  He said that it captures the intent of a robust stakeholder process.

Pat Ratliff, representing the South Metro Water Supply Authority, spoke in support of the bill.  She discussed health impacts, research, and the need for a rule-making process. 

Brock Herzberg, representing the Colorado Petroleum Council, spoke in opposition to the bill.  He emphasized that he supports the intent of the bill, but expressed concerns about the fiscal impact and broad-reaching implications. 

Jim Cole, representing the Colorado Oil and Gas Association, testified against the bill. He expressed concerns about overly broad definitions in the bill and answered questions about the role of the federal Environmental Protection Agency.

Senator Jones distributed Amendment L.003 (Attachment Q) and made closing remarks.