5B0020B3FC2CE04E8725899C0056C5A8 Hearing Summary

Representatives Bacon and Weissman, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 23-172, concerning protections for Colorado workers against discriminatory employment practices.. Representative Bacon explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Weissman provided additional input on the merits of the legislation. Discussion ensued regarding the definition of "harassment" under the bill, and its impact on the threshold for bringing a claim under the bill. Discussion followed regarding record retention requirements under SB 23-172, and the "objective" standard contained in the bill. Discussion returned to the definition of "harassment" in the bill, and the mens rea element in activities that may be deemed harassment.

Mr. Ian Kalmanowitz, representing Colorado Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association, testified in support of the bill.

Commissioner Jessica Campbell-Swanson, representing Counties & Commissioners Acting Together (CCAT), testified in support of the bill.

Iris Halpern, representing Colorado Women's Bar Association, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Sophie Mariam, representing Colorado Fiscal Institute, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Halpern responded to questions regarding how a claim is filed under SB 23-172. Mr. Kalmanowitz responded to questions regarding the stakeholding process in drafting the bill, and amendments attached to the bill in the Senate.

Ms. Ellen Buckley, representing Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association and Women's Lobby of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Sheron Pettiford, representing the AFL-CIO, testified in support of SB 23-172.

Elizabeth Newman, representing Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, testified in support of the bill.

Eric Bergman, representing CCI, testified to amend the bill.

Mr. Tony Gaqliardi, representing National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Rachel Ellis, representing Colorado Plaintiffs Employer's Association, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Ellis responded to questions regarding language in SB 23-172 concerning petty slights and minor annoyances.

No amendments were offered to SB 23-172. Representatives Bacon and Weissman provided closing remarks in support of the bill. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.