H_ED_2019A 01/31/2019 01:32:58 PM Committee Summary

Representative Geitner explained that he would like to postpone House Bill 19-1016, concerning basic skills placement tests for high school, indefinitely.  The bill would prohibit institutions of higher education from using basic skills placement tests that are not avilable to school districts and high schools.

The committee recessed.

The committee came back to order.

Representative McKean, sponsor, presented House Bill 19-1024, concerning the creation of the Colorado Youth Advisory Council Review Committee. The bill creates the Colorado Youth Advisory Council (COYAC) Review Committee as an ongoing Legislative Interim Committee. The committee is comprised of five legislators, who are voting members, and five youths from COYAC, who are non-voting members. Of the legislators on the committee, four members must be currently serving on COYAC and one member must be a member of the Legislative Council Committee. The five youth committee members are selected by the youth members of COYAC. The committee may meet up to three times per interim and recommend up to three bills to be introduced at the next regular legislative session.

Representative McKean answered questions from the committee regarding COYAC and provisions of the bill. Committee discussion ensued.

The following people testified on the bill:

Alana Saragosa, COYAC member, testified in support of the bill.

Nikaash Masheshwari, COYAC member, testified in support of the bill.

Colton Arciniaga, COYAC member, testified in support of the bill.

Virshank Bikkumalla, COYAC member, testified in support of the bill.

The panel answered questions from the committee regarding how they became involved in COYAC and the participation level of students in COYAC. Mr. Masheshwari discussed work that the COYAC has done in recent years and the difference of COYAC, as opposed to programs like Mock Trial and Mock Government.

The panel continued to respond to questions from the committee.

Cheryl Fleetwood, Director, COYAC, testified in support of the bill and discussed the formation of COYAC, as well as future plans to encourage student involvement.