EBB55A65498ACD87872583DE0071A829 Hearing Summary

Representatives Soper and Herod presented Senate Bill 19-170, concerning inquiries into a college applicant's criminal history. The bill prohibits state institutions of higher education from inquiring into, requiring disclosure of, or obtaining an applicant's criminal or disciplinary history, with certain exceptions. Representative Herod distributed research regarding inquiries into a college applicant's criminal history (Attachment C), and the bill sponsors answered questions from the committee regarding the bill.

The following people provided testimony:

Julie McKenna, representing Colorado Mesa University, testified in opposition to the bill, and answered questions from the committee.

Julie Steeler, representing the University of Colorado, testified in a neutral position to the bill.

Jason Hopfer, representing the Colorado Community College System, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Ms. Steeler and Mr. Hopfer responded to questions from the committee.

Tanya Kelly Bowry, representing the University of Colorado, came to the table to respond to questions about the university's admissions process, and the panel continued to answer further questions.

Jamie Ray, representing the Second Chance Center, testified in support of the bill.

Justin Larson, representing himself and the Second Chance Center, testified in support of the bill.

Prateek Dutta, representing Education Reform Now and Democrats for Education Reform, testified in support of the bill.

The above three-person panel answered questions from the committee.

Representative Larson distributed and explained Amendment L.017 (Attachment D), and committee discussion ensued.

The bill sponsors made concluding comments regarding the bill, and committee discussion ensued.