ADF16F367537CD01872583AC0073B742 Hearing Summary

Senator Gonzales explained HB19-1042, concerning expanding the jurisdiction of the courts for certain vulnerable youth.  She distributed a handout about vulnerable youth between the ages of 18 and 21 in Colorado (Attachment B).

Kathleen Glynn, representing herself as a private attorney, spoke in favor of the bill.  She explained how the bill would better coincide with federal provisions.  She stressed that Colorado law does not cover immigrant children between the ages of 18 to 21 who have been abused or neglected. 

Kacie Mulhern, representing Rocky Mountain Children's Law Center, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed the benefits of better serving immigrant youth between the ages 18 and 21.

Ashley Chase, representing the Office of the Child's Representative, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed the need to better serve and represent this age group.

Bridget McCann, representing herself as an attorney in private practice, spoke in favor of the bill.  She discussed how the federal immigration program serves youth up to age 21 but the state system does not.  She provided an example of a family she helped represent from Guatemala. 

Heidi Haines, representing The Arc of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.  She stressed that the bill will help reduce trauma for at-risk youth.

Senator Gonzales made closing remarks.