187CE7663BDA1178872583EC0070326A Hearing Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Saine, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 19-1334, concerning a prohibition on disseminating an image of a minor committing suicide.  Representative Saine responded to questions regarding the types of media covered by the bill. Committee members received amendment L.009 (Attachment A).

The following persons testified regarding HB 19-1334:

Ms. Jessie Templeman, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She recounted the loss of her brother.

Ms. Aariella Decker, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She recounted the loss of her brother.

Reverend Lynette Ballew, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Cressa Martinez, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. The sponsor screened a video. Discussion ensued regarding the community's response to the loss of the child, and the scope of the problem addressed by the bill. Committee members received a letter supporting the bill from the district attorney of the Nineteenth Judicial District (Attachment B). Discussion returned to the community's response to the event, and the dissemination of media related to the event.

Ms. Lauren Snyder, representing Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill. She discussed trends in youth suicide, and the impact of media on these trends. She suggested an amendment.

Ms. Tristan Gorman, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified on the bill from a neutral position if amendment L.009 is passed. Discussion ensued regarding the penalties associated with current state laws that outlaw the dissemination of certain materials. Representative Saine responded to questions regarding the scope of HB 19-1334. Ms. Gorman responded to questions regarding enforcement of the bill's provisions. Discussion followed regarding the effect of amendment L.009. Ms. Gorman responded to questions regarding the conduct that is sanctioned by the bill, and the punishments contained in the bill. Representative Weissman discussed some potential amendments to the bill. The chair laid over HB 19-1334 until later in the day.