S_SA_2018A 02/05/2018 01:32:07 PM Committee Summary

The committee came to order and then recessed.

The committee reconvened.

Senator Kerr, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-004. The bill requires additional funding for full-day kindergarten and refers a measure to voters allowing the state to retain and spend revenue above the constitutionally allowed limit. The committee previously heard testimony on the bill on January 31, 2018. Senator Kerr read from a letter from Dan Snowberger, Superintendent of Durango School District 9-R [Attachment A].

Committee members discussed the bill with Senator Kerr.  They discussed amendment L.001 [Attachment B], which was presented at the prior hearing.

Senator Aguilar, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-080. The bill requires the Department of Health Care Policy and Financing to design and implement an importation program for pharmaceutical products from Canada for sale to Colorado consumers. The committee heard testimony on the bill on January 31, 2018.

Committee members commented on the bill.

Senator Zenzinger, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-006. The bill allows but does not require that county clerks collect a surcharge on document filing fees to fund an attainable housing program. The committee heard testimony on the bill on January 31, 2018. Senator Zenzinger provided a fact sheet on the bill from Counties and Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT) [Attachment C].

Committee members discussed the bill. They discussed amendment L.001 [Attachment D], which was presented at the prior hearing.

Senator Zenzinger, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-082 to the committee. The bill excludes physicians treating patients with rare disorders from non-competition agreements that otherwise prohibit the physician from treating former or prospective patients after leaving a group practice. Senator Zenzinger provided information about the Colorado Medical Board's guidelines for departure from a medical practice [Attachment E]. Committee members discussed the bill with Senator Zenzinger.

Susan Hoyt, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Heidi Haines, representing the Arc of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Joan LaBelle, representing the Association of Colorado Centers for Independent Living, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members discussed the bill with Senator Zenzinger and Ms. Hoyt.

Jim Grie, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Grie and Senator Zenzinger responded to committee member questions.

Senator Zenzinger wrapped up her presentation of the bill.

Committee members commented on the bill.

The committee recessed.

The committee reconvened.  The chair laid the bill over for action after Senate Bill 18-058.

Senator Fields, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-058 to the committee. The bill changes the statute of limitations for the failure to report child abuse or neglect.

Committee members received a packet of information [Attachment F] from Senator Fields.

Senator Fields discussed amendment L.004 [Attachment G], explaining that it would make the bill prospective and extend the statute of limitations from 18 months to 5 years.

Committee members discussed the bill with Senator Fields.

Qusair Mohamedbhai, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Stephanie Villafuerte, Colorado Child Protection Ombudsman, testified in support of the bill.

Diana Goldberg, representing Sungate Kids and the Colorado Children's Alliance, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Villafuerte, Ms. Goldberg, Mr. Mohamedbhai, and Senator Fields responded to committee member questions.

George Brauchler, 18th Judicial District Attorney, also representing the Colorado District Attorneys' Council (CDAC), testified in support of the bill.

Rich Orman, representing CDAC and the 18th Judicial District, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Brauchler, Mr. Orman, and Senator Fields responded to committee member questions.

Michael Dohr, Office of Legislative Legal Services, responded to committee discussion about the bill and amendment L.004.

Committee discussion with Mr. Orman and Mr. Brauchler continued.

The committee reconvened.

Mr. Kovaleski presented a video of his reporting on the lack of information parents receive when sexual assault occurs in schools. He responded to committee member questions.

Blake Harrison, representing the Denver District Attorney's Office, testified in support of the bill.

Sterling Harris, representing the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Harrison responded to committee member questions.

Mr. Brauchler returned to the table to respond to committee member questions.

Dr. JoAnn Fujioka, representing the Colorado PTA, testified in support of the bill.

Laura Richards, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Annika Spilde, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Fujioka answered questions from the committee.

Senator Fields made comments to the committee.

Darla Stuart, representing the ARC of Colorado and Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Becky Benedict, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Rachel Gonzalez, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Fields wrapped up her presentation of the bill. The chair announced that the bill would be laid over for action only to a later date. Committee members commented on the bill.

Senator Zenzinger reminded the committee of its hearing on Senate Bill 18-082 earlier in the day. She wrapped up her presentation of the bill.

Committee members commented on the bill.

Senator Fenberg, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-087 to the committee. The bill allows certain refugees and special immigrants to qualify for in-state tuition at institutions of higher education.

Jennifer Wilson, representing the International Rescue Committee, testified in support of the bill.

Garett Reppenhagen, representing Vet Voice Foundation, testified in support of the bill.

Angel Guma, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Reppenhagen responded to committee member questions.

Mica Varga, representing No One Left Behind, testified in support of the bill.

Travis Weiner, representing Veterans for American Ideals, testified in support of the bill.

Maytham Alshadaad, representing the Denver Refugee and Immigrant Vitalization and Empowerment (DRIVE) Project, testified in support of the bill.

Abbey Hickey, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Elise Heyen, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Tiffeny Pippin, representing Spring Institute, testified in support of the bill.

Linda Van Doren, representing Emily Griffith Technical College, testified in support of the bill.

Enas Alsharea, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Fenberg wrapped up his presentation of the bill.

Committee members commented on the bill.