B815701D3D45D1548725827100718B36 Hearing Summary

Senator Coram explained SB18-234, concerning measures to reduce the sale wtihout consent of the remains of a human who was born alive.  He discussed a situation in Montrose, where a funeral home was selling body parts unbeknownst to the deceased's loved ones, and using concrete as cremains.  He emphasized that the bill is not intended to cut down on verified donations, and instead is designed to provide guardrails for illegal sales. 

He asked that the bill be laid over due to a strike below amendment that is in the works. 

Brad O'Connell, representing Science Care Tissue Bank, spoke in support of the bill if amended.  He discussed his work and clients. 

Nick Hodgdon, representing Funeral Director's Services, spoke in support of the bill if amended,  He discussed his company's behind-the-scenes work for funeral homes and research.  He expressed concerns that the bill, as written, would restrict valid donations and research.  He also discussed the bill's potential impact on the State Anatomical Board. 

The committee raised questions about the market for tissue and body parts as well as discussed related regulations, registration, standards, and guidelines. 

Karen McGovern, representing the Department of Regulatory Agencies, made herself available for technical questions.  She reported that there is no law in Colorado that prohibits the selling of body parts.  She discussed the Sunset Mesa case in Montrose and body brokering, generally. 

Jeremy Hueth, counsel for the University of Colorado, expressed concerns about the bill and the draft strike-below amendment.  He discussed registration requirements for nontransplant tissue banks, as proposed, and the impact it would have on practices at the University of Colorado, including donations and costs.  He further discussed federal and state laws concerning transplant and nontransplant banks. 

Senator Coram made closing remarks.

Senator Gardner announced that the bill will be placed on the agenda for Wednesday, April 18, as a for-action-only item.