8B62FD053E11425B87258ABC007A99CE Hearing Summary

Senators Danielson and Fields, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Concurrent Resolution 24-001, submitting to the registered electors of the state of Colorado an amendment to the Colorado Constitution concerning allowing Colorado lawmakers to pass laws that permit victims of childhood sexual abuse to bring a civil claim for the sexual abuse regardless of when the sexual abuse occurred.

The bill sponsors explained the need for the bill and the state constitution prohibition on retrospective legislation.

Committee members asked questions about applicable cases, survivor benefits, statute of limitations, and the recent Colorado Supreme Court decision on retroactive application. 

Further discussion followed about the resolution's application, retroactivity, and previous legislation on this topic.

Kathryn Robb, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Jill Brogdon, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Yesenia Landeros, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Michael Stano, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Jeb Barrett, representing the Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Angie Witt, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Susan Leighnor, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Caitlin Lynch, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Paul Quinn, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Evie Hudak, representing Colorado PTA, testified in support of the bill.

Ray Desser, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Raven Payment, representing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Task Force of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Onnastasia Cole, representing Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, testified in support of the bill.

Jean McAllister, representing WINGS Foundation, Inc, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Kallie Leyba, representing American Federation of Teachers, Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Kenneth Power, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Jennifer Wetzler, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Joel Moore, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Jennifer Stith, representing Wings, supporting adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse, testified in support of the bill.

Monycka Snowbird, representing Haseya Advocate Program, testified in support of the bill.

Ms.KellyGrace Price, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. She read testimony from Susan Shotts.

Ms. Val Nosler Beck, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. She read testimony from Kathleen Van Voorhis.

Ms. Elizabeth Newman, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Kelly Campbell, representing American Property Casualty Insurance, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Douglas Tumminello, representing Colorado Catholic Conference, testified in opposition to the bill.

Trey Rogers, representing Colordo Catholic Conference, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Michael Essma, representing American Tort Reform Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Committee members asked questions about revival laws, insurance, associated costs, and retroactive provisions in the state constitution. 

Craig Hein, representing CO School District Self Insurance Pool, CO Assoc of School Executives, CO Assoc of School Boards, CO Rural Schools Alliance, CO League of Charter Schools, testified to amend the bill.

Committee discussion followed about records management and related claim costs.  Further questions were raised about criminal liability for organizations. 

Michael Nimmo, representing themself, was available to answer committee questions.

Committee members asked questions about due process, statute of limitations, costs, court cases, and how similar matters are handled in other states.

Marlo Greer, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.  Ms. Greene's daughter spoke about a teacher/school incident.

Written testimony about the bill may be found in Attachment F.

Senator Gardner distributed Amendment L.002 (Attachment G). 

The bill sponsors opposed the amendment. 

Senator Gardner distributed and explained Amendment L.001 (Attachment H).  

The bill sponsors urged a no vote on the amendment.

Committee discussion ensued about the amendment and the bill.

The bill sponsors made closing comments. 

Committee members made closing comments.