5C354B6CB2BFB87B872582350076FEF9 Hearing Summary

Senator Kefalas, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-084.  The bill clarifies that a minor who commits behavior that would be considered prostitution if committed as an adult is a victim of human trafficking and requires that these minors be referred for care and services. 

Amendments L.002 and L.004 were distributed to the committee (Attachment C and D).

Arnold Hanuman, Colorado District Attorneys' Council, Office of the Attorney General, and Colorado Municipal League, testified against the bill.

Stephanie Fritts, 17th Judicial District, testified against the bill.

Kelley Dziedzic, 18th Judicial District, testified against the bill.

Ms. Fritts, Ms. Dziedzic, and Mr. Hanuman responded to questions.

The committee dialogued with the witnesses and Senator Kefalas.

Jennifer Anderson, Colorado Attorney General's Office, testified against the bill.

Mike Valentine, Arapahoe County, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Kelly Dore, National Human Trafficking Survivor Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Billie McIntire, Swan Counseling Services, testified in support of the bill.  Committee discussion followed.

Cynthia Camble, Loving Our Children, testified in support of the bill.

Linda Weinerman, Office of the Child's Representative, testified in support of the bill.

Alexandra Erickson, Human Trafficking Center, testified in support of the bill.

Maureen Cain, Colorado State Public Defender's Council, testified in support of the bill.  Ms. Cain responded to questions.

Senator Smallwood recessed the meeting.

Senator Smallwood reconvened the meeting.

Ms. Cain and Ms. Weinerman responded to questions from the committee.

Jeremy Fuerte, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Sarah Bendtsen, Shared Hope International, testified in support of the bill.  Ms. Bendtsen responded to questions.

Senator Kefalas made closing comments and discussed amendment L.002 (Attachment C) and L.004 (Attachment D).

Senator Martinez Humenik distributed and discussed amendment L.005 (Attachment E).  Committee discussion followed regarding the amendments.