Ms. Cynthia Coffman, Attorney General, representing the Department of Law (DOL), appeared before the committee pursuant to the SMART Government Act and Joint Rule 25. Committee members received a presentation document, which included a strategic plan, FY 2018-19 budget request briefing, and regulatory agenda, prepared by the department (Attachment K). Attorney General Coffman explained the purpose of the department and provided some highlights of the department's activities in the past year. The committee also received a DOL organizational chart (Attachment L) can be viewed at Legislative Council, which Attorney General Coffman referenced in introducing certain members of the DOL staff. Attorney General Coffman discussed the department's efforts in the area of human trafficking and opioid abuse.
04:01 PM
The committee and Attorney General Coffman continued to discuss the DOL's efforts to curb opioid abuse. Attorney General Coffman then discussed Medicaid fraud, consumer protection, revenge porn, substance abuse, and the Safe2Tell program. Mr. Jose Esquibel, Office of Community Engagement, provided additional input on the Safe2Tell program. The topic of net neutrality was also discussed.
04:30 PM
Attorney General Coffman responded to questions regarding the status of regulating the marijuana industry. Discussion returned to youth suicide, particularly in Mesa County.
04:41 PM
The committee continued to discuss and ask questions about marijuana, particularly its use by youth. Mr. Esquibel responded to questions regarding the Sources of Strength program, which is a suicide prevention program. Mr. Scott Turner, Deputy Attorney General, responded to questions regarding prosecution and filing of environmental crimes, and Ms. Laura Chartrand, Deputy Attorney General for Natural Resources and Environment, provided input on this issue as well.
04:59 PM
The committee asked questions about the DOL's litigation of a particular environmental law case. The discussion then turned to DOL's brief in a recent U.S. Supreme Court case regarding the Lakewood baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple.
