9BD2043EE9342238872583850081F9BA Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order.  Representatives Carver and McLachlan, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 19-1051, concerning human trafficking prevention training by the Department of Public Safety.  Representative Carver explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.  Representative McLachlan provided additional information on the legislation.  Representative Carver responded to questions regarding reporting requirements contained in the bill, and the fiscal impact of the bill.  Mr. Chris Creighton, Legislative Council Staff, provided input on the fiscal impact of HB 19-1051, and future funding for the bill's programming if gifts, grants, and donations are received.  Discussion ensued regarding the potential for sunsetting the bill's programming.

The following persons testified regarding HB 19-1051:



Detective Christopher Stadler, representing the Douglas County Sheriff's Office, testified in support of the bill.  Detective Stadler discussed the problem of human trafficking, and explained how training would improve the situation.



Ms. Kelly Zebroski, representing Jefferson County Human Services, testified in support of the bill.  Ms. Zebroski discussed the work of her office on human trafficking, and the importance of training in addressing this issue.



Ms. Maria Trujillo and Ms. Margaret Ochoa, representing the Department of Public Safety, testified in support the bill.  Ms. Trujillo discussed statewide collaborations to address human trafficking, including the development of training criteria and disseminate the training regimen throughout the state.  Ms. Ochoa further discussed the importance of training to combatting human trafficking.  Discussion ensued regarding the impact of the bill on programming trajectory, and the fiscal impact of the bill.  Ms. Trujillo and Ms. Ochoa responded to questions regarding the measurement of human trafficking training effectiveness, and training available to schools.  Discussion ensued regarding the adequacy of the appropriations to be made under the bill, and Colorado's position as an epicenter of human trafficking.

Ms. Jenny Kraska, representing the Colorado Catholic Conference, testified in support of HB 19-1051.  Ms. Kraska discussed the benefits of human trafficking training.

Ms. Sue Ricker, representing the Interfaith Alliance, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Betty Boyd, representing the American Association of University Women, testified in support of the bill.  Committee members received a packet of letters in support of the bill (Attachment A).  Representative Carver explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment B).