Senators Marchman and Jaquez Lewis, co-prime bill sponsors, introduced Senate Bill 23-004 which allows school districts to employ licensed mental health professionals who are not licensed by the Department of Education. The bill minimally increases workload for school districts.

Senator Marchman distributed a handout that can be found in Attachment D.

Jennifer Guthals, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Stephanie Smith, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Michelle Murphy, representing Colorado Rural Schools Alliance, testified in support of the bill. Committee members asked questions of the panel.

Mr. Brandon Shaffer, representing St. Vrain Valley School District, testified in support of the bill.

Riley Kitts, representing Colorado Children's Campaign, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Kaitlyn Tollefson, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Maria Huber, representing Colorado School Social Work Association, testified to amend the bill. Libby Malone, representing Colorado Society of School Psychologists, testified to amend the bill. Committee members provided comments to the panel.

Autumn Brooks, representing Clear Creek School District Re-1, testified in support of the bill. Additional written testimony can be found in Attachment E.

Senator Jaquez Lewis introduced amendment L.005 (Attachment F).

Senator Jaquez Lewis explained amendment L.001 (Attachment G).

Senator Jaquez Lewis explained amendment L.003 (Attachment H).

Senator Jaquez Lewis explained amendment L.004 (Attachment I).

Senator Jaquez Lewis explained amendment L.006 (Attachment J).

Senator Jaquez Lewis explained amendment L.009 (Attachment K).