BC5300213810842A8725880F00031EDD Hearing Summary

Representatives Carver and Daugherty, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 22-1300, concerning local enforcement against human trafficking by allowing the adoption of local ordinances to prevent human trafficking-related offenses in illicit businesses represented as massage businesses. Representative Carver explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Daugherty further discussed the merits of the legislation. Representative Carver responded to questions regarding the various licenses that would be needed and regulations observed to operate as a massage therapist under the bill, the ability of local governments to conduct sting operations on massage parlors, and the ability of counties to conduct certain activities normally reserved for cities. Representative Daugherty provided additional input on the latter issue.

Carrie Geitner, representing El Paso County, testified in support of HB 22-1300. Creed Spillane, representing Bakhita Mountain Home, testified in support of the bill. Meghan MacKillop, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill. Eric Bergman, representing Colorado Counties, Inc., testified in support of the bill. Commissioner Geitner and Mr. Spillane responded to questions regarding the number of illicit massage businesses located in Commissioner Geitner's jurisdiction. Commissioner Geitner responded to questions regarding the position of other county commissioner boards on HB 22-1300. Ms. MacKillop and Mr. Bergman responded to questions regarding potential land use implications in the bill, and incentives in the bill for counties to operate like cities in terms of licensure. Commissioner Geitner provided input on these issues. Discussion ensued regarding how many cities and home rule counties have used their licensure powers to regulate massage businesses.

Garin Vorthmann, representing the American Massage Therapy Association, testified on HB 22-1300 from a neutral position.

Laura Embleton, representing Associated Bodywork & Massage Professionals, testified on the bill from a neutral position.

Trevor Vaughn, representing the City of Aurora, addressed questions raised during earlier testimony.

Mr. Vaughn responded to questions regarding requiring identification for massage businesses. Discussion ensued regarding how massage businesses operate, and fees charged of massage businesses under the bill.

Representative Carver explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment E).

Representative Carver explained the effect of amendment L.002 (Attachment F).

Representatives Daugherty and Carver provided closing remarks in support of HB 22-1300. Representative Carver read some public comments in support of the bill. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.