H_SA_2021A 05/17/2021 02:52:54 PM Committee Summary

Representative Ortiz, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 21-129 to the committee. The bill creates the Veteran Suicide Prevention Pilot Program in the Department of Human Services (DHS) to reduce the suicide rate among veterans by providing free behavioral health services.

The bill sponsor responded to committee questions.

Kirsten Belaire, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Belaire responded to committee questions.

Dr. Robert Worthwein, DHS, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Worthwein responded to committee questions.

Representative Ortiz gave closing remarks on the bill.

Representative Caraveo and Representative Lontine, bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 21-250 to the committee. This bill modifies and clarifies state and local election code, including provisions related to vote registration, party affiliation, ballot access, and the conduct of recalls.

Mr. Harvie Branscomb, representing http://electionquality.com, testified to amend the bill. Mr. Chuck Broerman, representing El Paso County Clerk and Recorder's Office, testified in a neutral position on the bill. The witness panel responded to committee questions.

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

Matt Crane, representing Colorado County Clerks Association, testified in support of the bill.

Hayley Banyai-Becker, representing New Era Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Peg Perl, representing Arapahoe County Clerk and Recorder's Office, testified in support of the bill.

Salvador Hernandez, representing Mi Familia Vota, testified in support of the bill.

Kara Rowland, representing Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder, testified in support of the bill.

Caleb Thornton, representing Colorado Department of State, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Karen Goldman, representing Colorado Municipal League, Colorado Municipal Clerks Association, testified in support of the bill.

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

The bill sponsors gave closing remarks on the bill.