19D82AE9203C4E4187258ACA005F03D4 Hearing Summary

Senators Smallwood and Coleman, primary bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 24-083 which allows authorized facilities, such as a fire station, hospital, or community clinic emergency center, where a parent may relinquish a newborn to install newborn safety devices. This type of device is typically a climate-controlled and electronically-monitored incubator built into a wall on the premises of the facility where an infant can be placed. The bill outlines the requirements for facilities and persons operating the safety devices.

Committee members asked the bill sponsors questions.

Lauren Smith, representing Soul 2 Soul Sisters and Elephant Circle, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mar Galvez Seminario, representing Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Richard Uhrlaub, representing ASRC, CTTA, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dr. Patrice Martin, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Committee members asked the panel questions.

Sara Wagner, representing Colorado Safe Haven for Newborns, testified in support of the bill.

Halle Burke, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Alyssa Hirsch, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Kelly Bernatow, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked the panel questions.

Mr. Randy Allen, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Lori Holden, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Shannon Johnson, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Additional written testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment A).

The committee recessed.

The committee resumed.

Senator Smallwood provided closing remarks.

Committee members provided closing remarks.