S_SA_2019A 04/10/2019 01:33:57 PM Committee Summary

The chair made opening remarks about the hearing.

Senator Coram and Senator Rodriguez, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 19-1232 to the committee.  This bill aligns state law with the updated federal guidelines under the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA).  Changes include placing affirmative duty on the court to make an inquiry into whether a child is subject the ICWA; allowing the petitioning party to use certified mail, instead of registered mail; requiring any response by tribal agents to be distributed to all parties and the court; and changing guidelines for how the court determines if the child is an Indian child.

Judge Brett Woods, representing Denver Juvenile Court, testified in support of the bill.

Jenn Collins, representing Denver Human Services, testified in support of the bill.

Kathryn Redhorse, representing the Colorado Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill.

Cara Nord, representing the Office of the Child's Representative, testified in support of the bill.

The committee discussed amendment L.001 (Attachment A).

Senator Fenberg and Senator Danielson, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 19-235 to the committee. The bill requires the transfer of certain records to the Department of State for the purpose of automatically registering voters.

Secretary of State Jena Griswold testified in support of the bill.

Melissa Polk, representing the Department of State, responded to committee member questions.

Secretary Griswold and the bill sponsors responded to committee member questions.

Molly Fitzpatrick, Boulder County Clerk and Recorder, testified in support of the bill.

Lori Mitchell, Chaffee County Clerk representing the Colorado County Clerks Association, testified on the bill in a neutral capacity.

Senator Danielson introduced amendments L.001, L.002, L.003, and L.004 (Attachments B-E).

Martha Tierney, representing America Votes and the Colorado Democratic Party, testified in support of the bill.

Kelly Byrne, representing America Votes, testified in support of the bill.

Jennifer Levin, representing Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Amanda Gonzalez, representing Colorado Common Cause, testified in support of the bill.

Elisabeth Epps, representing herself, testified against the bill and responded to committee member questions.

Marie Venner, representing Colorado Interfaith Power and Light, testified on the bill.

Charley Olena, representing New Era Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

David DeNovellis, representing the Department of Health Care Policy and Finance, responded to committee member questions.

Senator Danielson discussed amendment L.001 with the committee.

Megan Waples, Office of Legislative Legal Services, responded to committee member questions about amendment L.001.

Senator Danielson discussed amendment L.002.

Ms. Waples responded to questions about amendment L.002.

Senator Danielson discussed amendment L.003 with the committee.

Senator Danielson discussed amendment L.004.

Senators Fenberg and Danielson wrapped up their presentation of the bill.

Committee members commented on the bill.

The committee recessed.

The committee reconvened. The chair announced that Senate Bill 19-225 and Senate Bill 19-232 would be laid over to a later date.