Senator Todd and Senator Rankin, co-sponsors, presented Senate Bill 19-199, which concerns measures to support effective implementation of the "Colorado Reading to Ensure Academic Development Act" (READ Act) for all students who receive services pursuant to READ plans.  The co-sponsors provided opening comments on the bill and distributed amendment L.003 (Attachment B).

The co-sponsors continued to provide opening comments on the bill.

The following people testified on the bill:

Amy Pitlik, representing Stand for Children, spoke in support of the bill as amended by L.003.

Dr. Lisa Escarcega, Executive Director of the Colorado Association of School Executives, spoke in support of the bill.

Tamara Acevedo, representing Denver Public Schools, spoke in support of the bill.

The panel of witnesses answered questions from the committee. The co-sponsors distributed a handout to the committee (Attachment C).

Kevin Vick, representing the Colorado Education Association (CEA), spoke in support of the bill as amended.  Mr. Vick answered questions from the committee.

The co-sponsors distributed three additional amendments to the committee: L.004, L.005, and L.006 (Attachments D, E, and F).

Jennifer Mello, representing the State Board of Education, read a written statement provided by Dr. Angelika Schroeder in support of the bill.

Amy Dubronyi, representing Colorado Kids Identified with Dyslexia (COKID), spoke in support of the bill.

Sue Hirsch, representing herself, spoke in opposition to the bill.  

Nate Golich, representing the Colorado Education Association, read written statements provided by teachers Jennifer McCommon and Colby Ricci, in to the record.  The statements (Attachments G and H) were provided in support of the bill if amended.

Karin Johnson, representing CO KID, spoke about the bill.

Cali Nichols, representing CO KID, spoke about the bill.

The panel of witnesses answered questions from the committee.

Leslie Colwell, representing the Colorado Children's Campaign, spoke in support of the bill if amended.

Kelly Caufield, representing Colorado Succeeds, spoke in support of the bill if amended.

The panel and co-sponsors answered questions from the committee.

The co-sponsors answered questions from the committee. Committee discussion ensued.

The committee continued to discuss the bill. The co-sponsors provided closing comments on the bill.

The bill was laid over for action only to a later date.