3F108BFCE35075B68725826B006CBB08 Hearing Summary

Representative Danielson, bill sponsor, presented House Bill 18-1108 to the committee.  The bill clarifies and expands services that the Colorado Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing offer to include persons who are deafblind; creates a citizens council to advise the commission, state and local governments, and other relevant entities on deafblind issues; and expands the authority of the commission.  A handout was distributed to the committee (Attachment A).  

Representative Danielson responded to committee questions.

Representative Singer proceeded with witness testimony on the bill.

Avi Haimowitz, Deaf Overcoming Violence Through Empowerment, testified in support of the bill with the assistance of an interpreter.

Matthew Ruggles, The Independence Center and State Independent Living Council, testified in support of the bill with the assistance of an interpreter.  

Emily Harvey, Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Shannon Callahan, representing himself, testified in support of the bill with the assistance of an interpreter.  

Susan Elliot, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Vance Youngs, Colorado Association for the Deaf, testified in support of the bill with the assistance of an interpreter.

Carolyn Haas, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Haas responded to committee questions.

Cynde Vaughn, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Danielson distributed and explained amendment L.002 [Attachment B].

Kip Kolkmeier, Office of Legislative Legal Services, came to to the table to respond to questions on the amendment.

Representative Danielson responded to committee questions.

Representative Danielson gave concluding remarks on the bill.

Committee members commented on the bill.