0A3660B15D51F2CD872586EA0023B030 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representatives Lontine and Gray, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 21-176, concerning protections for Colorado workers from discriminatory Representative Gray explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Lontine provided details on the effect of the bill.

Julie Rieskin, representing the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, testified on SB 21-176 from an "amend" position. Sarah Mercer, representing the Colorado Competitive Council and the Denver Metro Chamber, testified in opposition to the bill. Meghan Dollar, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in opposition to the bill. Loren Furman, representing the Colorado Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Bankers Association, testified in opposition to the bill. Laurel Witt, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in opposition to the bill. Discussion ensued regarding caregiver status as a protected class.

Emily Hanson, representing the Department of Human Services, testified on SB 21-176 from an "amend" position. Heidi Gordon, representing the American Council of Engineering Companies of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Aubrey Elenis, representing the Colorado Civil Rights Division, testified on the bill from an "amend" position. Craig Hein, representing the CSDSIP, CASE, CASB, and the Rural Alliance, testified in opposition to the bill. Joyann Ruscha, representing Arc Thrift Stores, testified on the bill from an "amend" position. Discussion ensued regarding what constitutes discriminatory or unfair labor practices under the bill.

Kjersten Forseth, representing the Colorado AFL-CIO, testified in support of SB 21-176.

Clayton Wire, representing the Colorado Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association, testified in support of the bill.

Michael Crews, representing One Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ian Kalmanowitz, representing the Colorado Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association, testified in support of SB 21-176.

David Lichtenstein, representing the Colorado Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association, testified in support of the bill.

Ellen Buckley, representing the Colorado Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Kalmanowitz responded to questions regarding the severe and pervasive standard, as established by jurisprudence, and potential liability under a certain fact pattern.

Iris Halpern, representing the Colorado Women's Bar Association, testified in support of SB 21-176.

Michelle F., representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Rachel Ellis, representing the Plaintiffs Employment Lawyers Association, testified in support of the bill.

Andrea Kuwick, representing the Bell Policy Center, testified in support of the bill.

Renee Larrate, representing the Women's Lobby of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Barry Roseman, representing The Colorado Plaintiffs Employment Lawyers Association, testified in support of the bill.

The chair laid over SB 21-176.