CB1CA673E6FF152587258C3C0075C2A1 Hearing Summary

Representatives Boesenecker
and Zokaie, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 25-1239, concerning the
Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act. The bill sponsors explained the impact
and merits of the bill.



Discussion ensued
regarding damage cap and the fiscal impact of the bill.

Jack Johnson, representing
Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Molly Kirkham,
representing The Arc of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ellen
Buckley, representing Colorado Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association
and The Women's Lobby of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



Committee members
asked questions regarding the process by which HB 25-1239 was crafted.



Brendan Fung,
Legislative Council Staff, responded to questions regarding the fiscal
impact of the bill.



Additional questions
were raised regarding damage awards under the bill. Discussion ensued about
penalties for false claims and certain exemptions. Committee members raised
further points about the fiscal impact of the bill. Additional questions
were asked about reducing a defendant's penalties for rapid compliance.
Discussion followed regarding frivolous public accommodation lawsuits.
Discussion returned to the fiscal impact of the bill.

Andrew Hamrick, representing
Colorado Apartment Association, testified to amend the bill. Ms. Heather
Stauffer, representing Colorado Municipal League, testified in opposition
to the bill. Meghan Dollar, representing Colorado Chamber of Commerce,
testified to amend the bill.



Discussion ensued
regarding frivolous claims made under anti-discrimination law, and resources
available to businesses to help with anti-discrimination law compliance.
Discussion followed regarding the time period for making a claim under
HB 25-1239, and local impacts.

Megan Wong, representing
One Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Nina DiSalvo, representing
Towards Justice, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Andrew Montoya,
representing Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, testified in support
of the bill. Christina Swope, representing themself, testified in support
of the bill. Hillary Ping, representing themself, testified in support
of the bill.



Discussion ensued
about frivolous lawsuits under anti-discrimination laws, and the impact
of the bill on housing.

Representatives Zokaie and Boesenecker provided closing remarks in support of HB 25-1239. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.