h_agr_2016a_2016-04-11t13:30:08z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 04/11/2016

01:35 PM -- HB 16-1373



The committee came back to order. Representative Singer, sponsor, presented House Bill 16-1373, concerning requiring school districts to adopt a policy permitting the use of medical marijuana by students authorized to use medical marijuana. Under current law, students in K-12 public schools may not posses or self-administer medical marijuana on school grounds, while riding in a school bus, or at any school-sponsored event (collectively: school property). School districts are authorized to adopt a policy permitting the student's parent or a medical professional who accompanies a student on school property to assist the student with the administration of medical marijuana. The bill requires that every school district adopt a policy that authorizes a student's parent or medical professional to assist students holding a valid recommendation for medical marijuana to possess the medicine on school property. Representative Singer responded to questions from the committee regarding certain forms of medical marijuana that would be permitted under the bill and what policies school districts currently have in place regarding this issue. Representative Singer responded to questions regarding Amendment L.001 (Attachment A), which was distributed to the committee. Amendment L.001 strikes everything below the enacting clause. The bill, as amended by Amendment L.001, would not require school districts to form a policy authorizing administration of medical marijuana to students holding a valid recommendation for medical marijuana, but would allow a primary caregiver to possess and administer medical marijuana to a student with a valid recommendation. The amended bill would also prohibit a school district or a charter school from disciplining a student who holds a valid recommendation for medical marijuana solely because the student requires medical marijuana.



160411 AttachA.pdf



The following persons testified on the bill:



01:42 PM -- Kathleen Sullivan, Chief Council, Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB), testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Sullivan responded to questions from the committee regarding current policies made by school districts concerning the administration of medical marijuana and CASB's position on the bill. Ms. Sullivan also responded to questions regarding local school boards accepting funding from marijuana sales.



02:16 PM



Representative Singer responded to questions regarding the bill and types of medical marijuana being prescribed, Committee discussion ensued.



02:21 PM



Josh Abram, Fiscal Analyst, Colorado Legislative Council, responded to questions from the committee regarding the fiscal impact of the bill and the impact that Amendment L.001 would have on the bill. Representative Singer distributed Amendment L.002 (Attachment B), which amends Amendment L.001. Representative Singer continued to respond to questions from the committee regarding the administration of medical marijuana to students on school property.



160411 AttachB.pdf



02:26 PM -- Sarah Clark, SMART Colorado, spoke in opposition to the bill.



02:31 PM -- Jack Splitt, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill and explained why he is prescribed medical marijuana.



02:36 PM -- Stacey Linn, representing herself and Jack Splitt (her son), spoke in support of the bill and responded to questions from the committee.



02:49 PM -- Jennie Stormes, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill and distributed a copy of her testimony to the committee (Attachment C). Ms. Stormes responded to questions from the committee.



160411 AttachC.pdf



03:00 PM



Representative Singer responded to further questions regarding the types of medical marijuana that would be permissible under the bill. Ms. Stormes also continued to answer questions from the committee.



03:10 PM -- Amy Hilterbran, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill and responded to questions from the committee.



03:26 PM



Michael Dohr, Office of Legislative Legal Services (OLLS), responded to questions from the committee regarding the bill.



03:33 PM -- Nathan and Renee Charlan, representing themselves and their son, Zach, spoke in support of the bill.



03:38 PM -- Meagan Patrick, representing herself and her daughter, Addelyn, spoke in support of the bill.



03:43 PM -- Terri Robnett, Cannabis Patients Alliance, spoke in support of the bill.



03:48 PM -- Coltyn Turner, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill.



03:50 PM -- Wendy Turner, representing herself and her son, spoke in support of the bill.



03:52 PM -- Benjamin Wann, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill.



03:55 PM -- Amber Wann, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill.



03:59 PM -- Rachel Selmeski, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill.



04:04 PM -- Corwin Meichtry, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill, as amended by Amendment L.001.



04:09 PM -- Cindy Sovine-Miller, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill and responded to questions regarding the bill.



04:13 PM -- Martha Montemayor, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill.



04:14 PM -- Mark Pederson, ECS Therapy Centers, spoke in support of the bill.



04:17 PM -- Joseph Carlson, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill.



04:21 PM -- Sean Coleman, 36 Solutions, spoke in support of the bill.



04:27 PM



Committee discussion ensued regarding Amendment L.001 and specific provisions of the bill. Representative Mitsch Bush moved Amendment L.001 and Amendment L.002, which were both seconded by Representative Ginal. Committee discussion ensued regarding the amendments.





04:37 PM



The committee recessed.



04:47 PM



The committee came back to order.

04:51 PM



Representative Singer concluded his comments on the bill.

05:00 PM



The committee adjourned.