H_ED_2023A 04/20/2023 01:04:31 PM Committee Summary

Representatives Hamrick and Bacon presented House Bill 23-1239 to the committee, along with a handout (Attachment A). The bill requires that the Colorado Department of Education seek a federal waiver to reduce standardized testing and to support local development of innovative assessments for use in accountability. Written testimony on the bill is included as Attachment B.

Representatives Joseph and Gonzales-Gutierrez presented House Bill 23-1291 to the committee, along with amendment L.001 and a handout (Attachments C and D). The bill requires changes to expulsion hearings for schools and requires training for hearing officers and administrators. Written testimony on the bill is included as Attachment E.

Amie Baca-Oehlert, representing Colorado Education Association, testified in support of the bill. Elie Zwiebel, representing Colorado Juvenile Defender Center, testified in support of the bill. Jack Johnson, representing Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Jennifer Freeman, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Kallie Leyba, representing American Federation of Teachers, Colorado, testified in support of the bill. JJ Reed, representing AUL Denver, testified in support of the bill.

John Armstrong, representing Legislative Council Staff, responded to committee members' questions.

Representatives Joseph and Gonzales-Gutierrez wrapped up their presentation to the committee.

Representatives McLachlan and Velasco presented Senate Bill 23-202 to the committee, along with amendment L.002 (Attachment F). The bill requires school districts and institutions of higher education to allow graduates to wear traditional Native American dress at a graduation ceremony.

Chairman Melvin Baker, representing the Southern Ute Indian Tribe, testified in support of the bill. Isabella Snowbird, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Monycka Snowbird, representing Haseya Advocate Program, testified in support of the bill.

Donna Chrisjohn, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Raven Payment, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Kallie Leyba, representing American Federation of Teachers, Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Kevin Vick, representing Colorado Education Association, testified in support of the bill. Dawn Fritz, representing Colorado Parent Teacher Association, testified in support of the bill.

Representatives Velasco and McLachlan wrapped up their presentation to the committee.

Representatives Kipp and Catlin presented Senate Bill 23-007 to the committee. The bill modifies the Adult Education Grant Program in the Colorado Department of Education, and allows community colleges, local district colleges, and area technical colleges to award high school diplomas. Written testimony on the bill is included as Attachment G.

Chaer Robert, representing Skills2Compete Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Dwenna Holden, representing Colorado Mountain College, testified in support of the bill. Dorothea Steinke, representing Literacy Coalition of Colorado, testified in support of the bill and distributed a handout (Attachment H). Paula Schriefer, representing Spring Institute for Intercultural Learning, testified in support of the bill. Emily Ochoa, representing the Spring Institute, testified in support of the bill.

Elizabeth Peetz, representing Comcast, testified in support of the bill.

Representatives Catlin and Kipp wrapped up their presentation to the committee.

Representatives Wilson and Martinez presented Senate Bill 23-205 to the committee, along with a handout (Attachment I). The bill creates the Universal High School Scholarship Program to provide scholarships to students for postsecondary education, apprenticeships, or training related to an in-demand, high-priority postsecondary pathway.

Eve Lieberman, representing Office of Economic Development and International Trade, testified in support of the bill. Dr. David Tandberg, representing Adams State University, testified in support of the bill. Michael Macklin, representing Colorado Community College System, testified in support of the bill. Meghan Dollar, representing Colorado Chamber of Commerce, testified in support of the bill.

Representatives Martinez and Wilson wrapped up their presentation to the committee.