76EA6B22411A5B7C872584F9005F3603 Hearing Summary

Representative Hooton and Representative Larson, sponsors, presented House Bill 20-1122. This bill repeals, reenacts, and makes updates to the Office of Homeless Youth Services in the Department of Local Affairs (DOLA). In addition, the bill creates a new grant program to award up to five grants of $250,000 each to existing organizations that provide a variety of services to homeless youth as outlined in the bill. Grants must be rewarded by January 1, 2021. DOLA is required to submit a report to the General Assembly by March 1, 2023, summarizing the status of youth experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness and the impact of the grant program. The grant program is repealed on July 1, 2023.

The sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Shawna Kemppainen, The Place, spoke in favor of the bill.

Kippi Clausen, Rural Collaborative, spoke in favor of the bill.

Michael Crews, One Colorado, spoke in favor of the bill.

Connor Lafferty, Attention Homes, spoke in favor of the bill.

Chris Nelson, Attention Homes, spoke in favor of the bill.

Ms. Lafferty and Mr. Nelson responded to questions from the committee.

Representative Hooton introduced Amendment L.001 (Attachment B). Committee discussion followed.