2899F2F4B48B8AF2872589580004845C Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representative Froelich, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 23-1178, concerning enhancing court personnel's recognition of domestic violence to access federal funding, and, in connection therewith, including the recognition of child abuse. Representative Froelich explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. The sponsor and the chair discussed hearing public testimony, and then laying the bill over for action at a later date. Discussion ensued regarding the impact of sexual abuse or child abuse allegations on the likelihood of a parent gaining custody of a child.

Ms. Elina Asensio, representing herself, testified in support of HB 23-1178. Ms. Maralee McLean, representing Moms Fight Back, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Stacie Trujillo, representing Moms Fight Back, testified in support of the bill.

Carl Roberts, representing Colorado Resilience, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Roberts responded to questions regarding some statistics he cited.

Christine McGinley, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Lauren May Woodruff , representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Shannon Tyson-Poletti, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Tyson-Poletti responded to questions regarding the definition and source of the concept of parental alienation. Discussion ensued on this point.

Ms Judi-Beth Atwood, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Sybil Cummin, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms Tina Swithin, representing One Mom’s Battle, testified in support of the bill. Ms. A Fuller, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs. Rhonda DeSantis Woodruff, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Danielle Pollack, representing National Family Violence Law Center at GW Law, testified in support of the bill.

Jenna Daniels, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Rachel Dane, representing Bridge to Justice, testified in support of the bill.

Carina Potts, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Andrew Rose, representing COMBINE, testified in support of the bill. Rael LaPenta, representing MACA- Mothers Against Child Abusé, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Katie Rubano, representing Colorado Parental Alienation Support Group, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Claudia Ovalles, representing Servicemembers and Veterans for Children's Rights, testified in opposition to the bill. Rabbi Jacob Balinski, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill.

The chair laid over HB 23-1178 to a later date for action.