S_JUD_2020A 03/02/2020 01:35:22 PM Committee Summary

Senator Crowder, sponsor, explained House Bill 20-1104, concerning court proceedings related to relinquishment of parental rights.  

Ruchi Kapoor, representing the Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel, testified in support of the bill. She explained circumstances in which the bill would apply and discusssed parental choice.  She noted that the Office of the Child's Representative is also in support of the bill but could not make the hearing.

The committee discussed and asked questions about guardrails, relinquishment of parental rights, and the reinstatement process. 

Senator Crowder made closing remarks.

Senators Lee and Gardner, co-prime sponsor, explained House Bill 20-1052, concerning restrictions on making public the personal information of certain employees at risk of theats relating to the administration of human services programs. 

Julie Krow, representing El Paso County, testified in support of the bill.  She distributed two handouts:  threat notifications in El Paso County (Attachment A) and a fact sheet on the bill prepared by Colorado Counties, Inc. (Attachment B).  She discussed the importance of protecting staff. 

A witness from El Paso County who wished to remain anonymous, testified in support of the bill.  She relayed threats received while working in Adult Protective Services.

Jeff Ball, representing Young Williams, LLC, testified in favor of the measure.  He provided a copy of his testimony (Attachment C) and gave examples of threats. 

The committee asked questions about threats and determining when to report to law enforcement. 

Jamie Ulrich, representing Weld County Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill. She discussed security and employee retention.

Mary Berg, representing Jefferson County Department of Human Services, testified in favor of the bill. She distributed a handout regarding threats to employees in Jefferson County (Attachment D).  

Kris Boggs, representing Jefferson County, testified in support of the measure.

Sophia San Miguel, representing herself, spoke about the bil from a neutral position.

Senator Lee explained and distributed Amendment L.004 which expands protections under the bill (Attachment E).  

Senator Gonzales, sponsor, explained Senate Bill 20-169, concerning permitting youthful offenders to be housed in the same facility as inmates that mentor youthful offenders. 

Aaron Greco, representing the Department of Corrections (DOC), testified in support of the measure.  He discussed a mentorship program in DOC and how the bill fits in with that.

Senator Gardner distributed and explained Amendment L.001 which clarifies that sex offenders may not participate in the program (Attachment F).

Senator Gonzales distributed and explained Amendment L.002 that clarifies eligibility requirements (Attachment G).