2E340B9907F16B9E8725869A006D48CD Hearing Summary

Representatives Duran and Carver, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 21-1165, concerning assistance for victims of strangulation who receive medical examinations. Representative Duran explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Carver provided additional input on the merits of the bill. The sponsors screened a brief video to provide background on the bill. Representative Carver responded to questions about gathering evidence of a strangulation through a forensic examination, and the source of funding for compensation under the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the circumstances in which a victim is compensated under the bill.

The following persons testified regarding HB 21-1165:

Anne Kelly, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Margaret Abrams, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Melissa Bickford, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Kelly responded to questions regarding the potential for breaking certain language in the bill out into its own paragraph, and who is qualified to conduct a forensic examination under the bill.

Courtney Sutton, representing herself, testified in support of HB 21-1165.

Elyse Diewald, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Julie Rojas, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the requirements for being a forensic examiner under the bill.

LS PSG, representing herself, testified in support of HB 21-1165.

Chelsie Holmes, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Lydia Waligorski, representing Violence Free Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Holmes responded to questions regarding training for law enforcement to detect signs of strangulation. Ms. Waligorski provided additional input on this issue. Discussion ensued regarding questions raised during earlier discussion about subdividing certain language in the bill into its own paragraph.

No amendments were offered to HB 21-1165. The bills sponsors provided closing remarks in support of the bill. Various committee members discussed the merits of the legislation.