H_ED_2023A 04/06/2023 01:34:28 PM Committee Summary

Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez presented House Bill 23-1109 to the committee. The bill was originally heard by the committee on March 2, 2023.

Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez requested the bill be postponed indefinitely.

Representatives Armagost and Young presented Senate Bill 23-070 to the committee, along with a handout (Attachment A). The bill requires school resource officers to complete training developed by the Peace Officer Standards and Training Board.

John Armstrong, representing Legislative Council Staff, responded to committee members' questions.

Evie Hudak, representing Colorado PTA, testified in support of the bill.

Representatives Michaelson Jenet and Young presented Senate Bill 23-004 to the committee and distributed amendment L.011 (Attachment B). The bill allows school districts to employ licensed mental health professionals who are not licensed by the Department of Education. Written testimony on the bill is included as Attachment C.

Megan Kelley, representing CSSW & NASW, testified to amend the bill. Matthew McClain, representing Colorado School Counselor Association, testified in support of the bill. Joshua Hirsch, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Erin Meschke, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Kaitlyn Tollefson, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Laura Mehringer, representing Colorado Nurses Association, testified to amend the bill. Autumn Brooks, representing Clear Creek School District Re-1, testified in support of the bill.

Representatives Young and Michaelson Jenet wrapped up their presentation to the committee.

Representatives Kipp and Lukens presented Senate Bill 23-061, along with a handout (Attachment D). The bill eliminates the statewide social studies assessment in elementary and middle schools.

The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.

Dr. Brenda Dickhoner, representing Ready Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Erin Meschke, representing themself, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Jared Gregorio, representing Education Reform Now Advocacy, testified in support of the bill. Kevin Vick, representing Colorado Education Association, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Michael Neil, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Evie Hudak, representing Colorado PTA, testified in support of the bill.

Josh Hirsch, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Kaitlyn Tollefson, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.