CB26018274C1032687258829006BA944 Hearing Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representatives Lontine and Gray, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 22-1367, concerning modifications to laws prohibiting discrimination in employment practices, and, in connection therewith, repealing the exclusion of domestic workers from the definition of "employee," extending the time limit for filing a charge alleging unfair or discriminatory employment practices with the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, and repealing the prohibition against certain damages in cases alleging age-based discrimination. Representative Lontine explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Gray provided additional input on the merits of the legislation. Discussion ensued regarding the definition of "domestic worker."

Iris Halpern, representing the Colorado Women's Bar Association, testified in support of HB 22-1367.

Felipe Bohnet-Gomez, representing the Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, testified in support of the bill.

Kelly McCullough, representing Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Halpern responded to questions regarding a fact pattern that might result in discrimination under the bill, and the types of domestic workers that would be covered by the bill. Ms. Halpern responded to further questions regarding independent contractor status under the bill, and the definition of certain terms that bear upon the legislation. Ms. Halpern responded to questions regarding the deletion of a remedy for a claim of discrimination by the bill. Discussion ensued regarding a longer timeline for a discrimination complaint created by a forthcoming amendment.

Andrea Kuwik, representing the Bell Policy Center, testified in support of HB 22-1367.

Thomas Davidson, representing Counties & Commissioners Acting Together, testified in support of the bill.

Hannah Recht, representing 9to5 Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Michael Neil, representing the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of HB 22-1367.

Ellen Buckley, representing the Colorado Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Buckley responded to questions regarding the bill's impact on attorney fees in discrimination cases, and discrimination based on sex under the bill.

Representative Lontine explained the effect of amendment L.002 (Attachment A). Discussion ensued regarding the timeline for discrimination complaints under the amendment. Ms. Halpern provided input on this issue.

Representatives Gray and Lontine provided closing remarks in support of HB 22-1367.