B60F39C9D54B460D872587F900712DAB Hearing Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representatives Bacon and Michaelson Jenet, prime sponsors, presented HB 22-1234, concerning establishing a preventing identity-based violence grant program.  Representative Bacon explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Michaelson Jenet provided additional input on the merits of the legislation. Representative Bacon responded to questions regarding what constitutes "identity-based violence" under the bill, and references in the bill to protecting homeland security. Discussion ensued regarding whether a certain fact pattern would constitute identity-based violence under the bill. Discussion followed regarding rule promulgation under the bill.

Melanie Pearlman, representing the Counterterrorism Education Learning Lab, testified in support of HB 22-1234. Meredith Gleitz, representing One Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Kevin Klein, representing the Colorado Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Klein responded to questions regarding whether parents registering objections about schools would fall under the purview of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the monitoring of potential hate crimes by the division. Ms. Pearlman provided input on the latter question. Discussion ensued regarding potential civil liberties violations under the bill. Mr. Klein responded to questions regarding the functions of his division, and how the division will administer the bill's programming. Mr. Klein responded to further questions regarding the difference between state and federal homeland security functions. Discussion followed regarding hate crime measurement.

Mardi Moore, representing Out Boulder County, testified in support of HB 22-1234.

Rex Fuller, representing the Center on Colfax, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Bacon explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment A).

Representatives Michaelson Jenet and Bacon, prime sponsors, provided closing remarks in support of HB 22-1234. The committee discussed the merits of the legislation.