0CC2AE02275CD390872586A20071708A Hearing Summary

Representative Ortiz, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 21-1110, concerning adding language to relevant Colorado statutes related to persons with disabilities to strengthen protections against discrimination on the basis of disability. Representative Ortiz explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Ortiz responded to questions regarding international versus national standards for disability accessibility, and the position of certain organizations on the bill.

The following persons testified regarding HB 21-1110:

Andrew Montoya, representing the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Patricia Yeager, representing the Independence Center, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Montoya responded to questions regarding certain communications standards for those with disabilities set by the bill, and the ability of a complainant to seek remedies through the administrative process under the bill.

Eric Bergman, representing Colorado Counties, Inc., testified on the bill from an "amend" position. He referenced some forthcoming amendments that will help ameliorate some of his organization's concerns.

Brandy DeLange, representing the Metro Wastewater Reclamation District, testified on the bill from a neutral position.

Heather Stauffer, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified on the bill from an "amend" position. She also discussed some forthcoming amendments.

Kate Sneed, representing the Office of Information Technology, testified in support of HB 21-1110.

Benjamin Waters, representing Craig Hospital, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Sneed responded to questions regarding the ability of her office to meet the bill's definition of "accessible" from a technical standpoint, and certain technology considerations in meeting the bill's requirements.

Scott LaBarre, representing the National Federation of the Blind of Colorado, testified in support of HB 21-1110.

Alison Butler, representing the Colorado Bar Association and the Office of Respondent Parents Counsel, testified in support of the bill.

Staci Nichols, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. LaBarre responded to questions regarding the evolution of accessibility technology and standards for World Wide Web-based products and services.

Christine McGroarty, representing herself, testified in support of HB 21-1110.

Dan Burke, representing the National Federation of the Blind, testified in support of the bill.

Curtis Chong, representing the National Federation of the Blind, testified in support of the bill.

Michael Valdez, representing the Special District Association of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Michael Neil, representing the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Julie Reiskin, representing the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of HB 21-1110.

Representative Ortiz provided closing remarks in support of HB 21-1110. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.