EA67156DE4C095D4872587EB00715D57 Hearing Summary

Senators Fields and Cooke, co-prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-057, concerning measures to support victims of violent crime who suffer brain injuries as a result.

Dr. Anne DePrince, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She discussed research about brain injuries.

Dr. Kim Gorgens, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the importance of screening and treating brain injuries. 

Committee members asked questions about early treatment versus treating someone with a longstanding brain injury.  Discussion ensued about victimization, navigating systems, and types of available treatment for this population. 

Ray Harlan, representing Colorado Victims for Justice, testified in support of the bill.

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

Bridget Dyson, representing COVA , testified in support of the bill and distributed a handout about the brain (Attachment B). 

Senator Cooke distributed and presented Amendment L. 001 to make technical changes and representation on the committee (Attachment C). 

Senator Cooke presented and distributed Amendment L. 003 to align definitions (Attachment D). 

Senator Cooke presented and distributed Amendment L. 004 about collecting brain injury statistics (Attachment E). 

Senator Cooke presented and distributed Amendment L. 005 about outreach programs (Attachment F). 

Senator Cooke presented and distributed Amendment L. 006 about support services (Attachment G). 

Senator Cooke presented and distributed Amendment L. 007 about forensice nurse examiners (Attachment H). 

Senator Fields and Senator Cooke made closing remarks.