28B8BA4F61ECFD01872586E000709F66 Hearing Summary

Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez, bill sponsor, introduced and gave opening comments on SB21-027. The bill requires the Colorado Department of Human Services (DHS) to provide diapering essentials (diapers, wipes, and diaper creams) to eligible individuals. The DHS, within 30 days of the bill taking effect, must solicit interest and cost distribution proposals from diaper distribution centers to administer the program. Diaper distribution centers must be operational within 60 days after entering into a contract with the DHS. The selection process is not subject to Colorado’s Procurement Code. The DHS is required to submit a preliminary report in FY 2021-22 and starting in FY 2022-23, the bill requires the DHS to submit a report on the program to the General Assembly as a part of its SMART Act hearing. Finally, the bill requires the General Assembly to appropriate $2.0 million from the General Fund to the DHS in FY 2021-22 and FY 2022-23 to fund the distribution centers. The DHS may use up to $150,000, or 7.5 percent of the money appropriated, for administrative costs. The program is repealed on July 1, 2024.

Representative Tipper, bill sponsor, gave opening comments on the bill.

Bill sponsors responded to questions from committee members.

Lindsey Zaback, WeeCycle, testified in support of the bill. Morgan Seibel, WeeCycle, testified in support of the bill. Daniel Mayer, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Jan Touslee, The Nappie Project-A Diaper Bank, testified in support of the bill. Benjamin Seaton, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. The panel responded to questions from committee members.

Kristen Seidel, Women's Lobby of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Matthew Server, Colorado Catholic Conference, testified in support of the bill.

Ian McMahon, Colorado Department of Human Services, answered questions from committee members.

Anna Crawford, Women's Lobby of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Submitted written testimony can be found in Attachment C.

Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez introduced amendment L.008 (Attachment D).

Committee members asked questions about the amendment.

Representative Tipper and Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez gave final comments on the bill.

Committee members gave final comments on the bill.