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12:49:35 PM |
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12:51:25 PM |
The committee returned
to order. Representative Luck, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 25-1255.
The bill allows health care providers to refuse to perform or pay for medical
procedures based on their right of conscience. Representative Luck explained
the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Luck responded
to questions regarding the scope of the bill in terms of health care professionals
covered, and the ability of a professional to act under conscience. Representative
Luck responded to further questions regarding the ability of physicians
to reject patients under current law. Discussion ensued regarding acting
on conscience within the field of medicine, and how the bill facilitates
this. Discussion followed regarding the need for the legislation, and conscience
issues within various settings.
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01:49:58 PM |
Mr. Lavi Payne-Grauch,
representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. David Schwartz,
representing The Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder, testified in
opposition to the bill. Ms. Mariah Guerrero, representing Colorado Organization
for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights, testified in opposition
to the bill. Mx. Ollie Glessner, representing Inside Out Youth Services,
testified in opposition to the bill. Dr. Bruce Parker, representing Rocky
Mountain Equality, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Kara Allison,
representing JEDI Advocacy Council of Greeley, testified in opposition
to the bill. Dani Newsom, representing themself, testified in opposition
to HB 25-1255.
Discussion ensued regarding the ability to force someone to perform certain
medical procedures, and denial of care to certain populations. Discussion
followed regarding matters of conscience in medicine, and activities precluded
by the bill.
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02:37:19 PM |
Mary Dodson read
the testimony of Tony Kim in support of HB 25-1255. Deanne Wikler, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. John Mize, representing
Americans United for Life, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Catherine
Wheeler, representing AAPLOG Action, testified in support of the bill.
Discussion ensued regarding the testimony of Dr. Tony Kim. Dr. Wheeler
responded to questions regarding the impact of certain policies on the
availability of medical professionals in Colorado, and the scope of the
bill in terms of medical procedures. Dr. Wheeler responded to further questions
regarding conscience issues for medical professionals in emergency situations.
Discussion followed regarding this issue. Mr. Mize and Dr. Wheeler
responded to questions regarding religious exemptions.
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03:08:00 PM |
Dr. Thomas Perille,
representing Democrats for Life of Colorado and Association of Prolife
OB/GYNS Action, testified in support of the bill. Cathy Reeves read the
testimony of Maureen West in support of HB 25-1255. Erica Steinmiller-Perdomo,
representing Alliance Defending Freedom, testified in support of the bill.
Ms. Steinmiller-Perdomo responded to questions regarding First Amendment
issues associated with the bill. Dr. Perille responded to questions regarding
certain statistics he cited during testimony, and current law with respect
to providing care for certain groups. Discussion ensued regarding the latter
point, and patient protections in the bill.
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03:38:05 PM |
Mr. Bob Reeves, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Tatiana Fernandez, representing....
testified on the bill from an amend position. Brenda Dennis, representing
themself, testified on HB 25-1255. Ms. Rush Rush, representing themself,
testified in support of the bill. Dr. Tom Jensen, representing themself,
testified in support of the bill. Dr. Catherine Winchester, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Lauren Castillo, representing
Bella health and wellness, testified in support of the bill. Donna LaBelle,
representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
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04:04:05 PM |
Ms. Brittany Vessely,
representing Colorado Catholic Conference, testified in support of the
bill. Ms. Jody Nickerson, representing themself, testified in support of
the bill.
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04:10:19 PM |
Written testimony
may be found in Attachment A. No amendments were offered to HB 25-1255.
Representative Luck provided closing remarks in support of the bill. Various
committee members provided their positions on the bill.
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04:42:42 PM
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Motion |
Refer House Bill 25-1255 to the Committee on Finance. |
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| Moved |
Soper |
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| Seconded |
DeGraaf |
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Armagost |
Yes |
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Bacon |
No |
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Clifford |
No |
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DeGraaf |
Yes |
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Espenoza |
No |
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Garcia |
No |
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Keltie |
Yes |
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Soper |
Yes |
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Zokaie |
No |
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Carter |
No |
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Mabrey |
No |
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YES: 4 NO: 7 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: FAIL |
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04:43:01 PM
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Motion |
Postpone House Bill 25-1255 indefinitely using a reversal of the previous roll call. There was no objection to the use of the reverse roll call, therefore, the bill was postponed indefinitely. |
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| Moved |
Carter |
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| Seconded |
Bacon |
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|
Armagost |
No |
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Bacon |
Yes |
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Clifford |
Yes |
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DeGraaf |
No |
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Espenoza |
Yes |
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Garcia |
Yes |
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Keltie |
No |
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Soper |
No |
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Zokaie |
Yes |
|
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Carter |
Yes |
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Mabrey |
Yes |
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Final |
YES: 7 NO: 4 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS |
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