AB9A125E78C34868872583E400791C63 Hearing Summary

Senator Ginal, sponsor, explained HB19-1045, concerning funding for carrying out duties related to the office of public guardianship, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation. 

Senator Ginal distributed a letter from The Arc Colorado in support of the bill (Attachment A). 

Deb Bennett-Woods, representing the Office of Public Guardianship, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed the problems her office is having securing gifts, grants, and donations.  She explained that Colorado is one of few states that does not have a public guardianship function.

Rob Hernandez, representing himself, spoke from a neutral position on the bill.  He distributed a handout depicting closed hearings for guardianship cases (Attachment B). 

Ed Shackelford, representing the Colorado Senior Lobby, spoke in support of the bill. He discussed how it will benefit the elderly.

Coral Cosway, representing the Alzheimer's Association, testified in favor of the bill.  She read testimony from a  colleague about the difficulties of managing finances with Alzheimer's. 

Carl Glatstein, representing the Colorado Bar Association, testified in support of the bill. He discussed how provisions in the bill will allow for better tracking of those who are in need of guardianship services in Colorado.  He stressed that guardianships should be a public function in the state and not be funded by gifts, grants, and donations.

Discussion followed regarding the differences between guardianships and conservatorships. 

Terry Scanlon, representing the Judicial Department, testified from a neutral position on the bill.  He discussed the need for guardianship services and noted a judge who is particularly interested in this topic.