Colorado General AssemblyToggle Main Menu
Agency NameToggle Agency Menu

H_HHS_2025A 03/11/2025 09:34:28 AM Committee Summary

PUBLIC
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES
Date 03/11/2025
Attendance
Bradfield X
Bradley X
DeGraaf X
English X
Feret X
Garcia Sander X
Gilchrist X
Hamrick X
McCormick X
Rydin X
Stewart K. X
Lieder X
Brown X
Time 09:34:28 AM to 04:49:11 PM
Place HCR 0112
This Meeting was called to order by Brown
This Report was prepared by Eliyah Chadioun
Hearing Items Action Taken
HB25-1263 Postponed Indefinitely
SB25-004 Referred to the Committee of the Whole
SB25-042 Amended, referred to the Committee of the Whole
HB25-1252 Postponed Indefinitely
HB25-1253 Postponed Indefinitely

HB25-1263 - Postponed Indefinitely
09:34:39 AM  
The primary bill
sponsors, Representatives Hartsook and Feret, requested that House Bill
25-1263 be postponed indefinitely.



Written testimony
was submitted to the committee (Attachment A).


09:36:35 AM
 Motion Postpone House Bill 25-1263 indefinitely.
Moved Feret
Seconded Lieder
Bradfield Yes
Bradley Yes
DeGraaf Yes
English Yes
Feret Yes
Garcia Sander Yes
Gilchrist Yes
Hamrick Yes
McCormick Yes
Rydin Yes
Stewart K. Yes
Lieder Yes
Brown Yes
Final YES: 13   NO: 0   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS
09:37:08 AM  
The committee was placed in a brief recess.



SB25-004 - Referred to the Committee of the Whole
09:39:06 AM  
The committee came
back to order.
09:39:07 AM  
The primary bill
sponsors, Representatives Willford and Gracia, introduced Senate Bill 25-004
to the House Health and Human Services Committee. The bill establishes
certain requirements for fees charged by child care programs, including
a child care center, family child care home, or neighborhood youth organization.
09:43:29 AM  
The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.
09:54:10 AM  
Melissa Mares, representing
Colorado Children's Campaign, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Jillian
Snell, representing Kiddie Academy of Aurora, testified in opposition to
the bill. Ann du Bouchet, representing themself, testified in opposition
to the bill. Daneya Esgar, representing themself, testified in support
of the bill. Kathlyn McHenry, representing Early Care and Education Consortium,
testified in a neutral position on the bill.
10:06:36 AM  
The panel responded to questions from the committee.
10:14:38 AM  
Vanessa Martinez,
representing Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive
Rights (COLOR), testified in support of the bill.



Additional written
testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment B).
10:17:09 AM  
The bill sponsors provided closing comments on the bill.
10:23:21 AM  
Members of the committee provided closing comments on the bill.


10:28:56 AM
 Motion Refer Senate Bill 25-004 to the Committee of the Whole.
Moved Lieder
Seconded Hamrick
Bradfield No
Bradley No
DeGraaf No
English Yes
Feret Yes
Garcia Sander No
Gilchrist Yes
Hamrick Yes
McCormick Yes
Rydin Yes
Stewart K. Yes
Lieder Yes
Brown Yes
Final YES: 9   NO: 4   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS



SB25-042 - Amended, referred to the Committee of the Whole
10:29:03 AM  
The primary bill
sponsors, Representatives Bradfield and English, introduced Senate Bill
25-042 to the House Health and Human Services Committee. The bill creates
several new measures related to behavioral health, including a stakeholder
group, new reporting requirements, and updated mental health care practices
in the state.
10:40:21 AM  
The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee.
10:42:13 AM  
Jack Johnson, representing
Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Evan Silverman,
representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. William Richards,
representing Colorado Mad Moms, testified in support of the bill. Wendy
Buxton-Andrade, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
10:52:53 AM  
The panel responded to questions from the committee.
10:57:51 AM  
Dr. Erin Crites,
representing Colorado Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal
Justice, was available to answer committee questions. Ryan Templeton, representing
Behavioral Health Administration, was available to answer committee questions.
Kate Rawlinson, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
11:02:08 AM  
The panel responded to questions from the committee.
11:04:56 AM  
The bill sponsors
introduced amendment L.004 (Attachment C).
11:06:03 AM  
The bill sponsors
responded to questions regarding amendment L.004.


11:08:35 AM
 Motion Adopt amendment L.004 (Attachment C).
Moved English
Seconded Bradfield
Bradfield
Bradley
DeGraaf
English
Feret
Garcia Sander
Gilchrist
Hamrick
McCormick
Rydin
Stewart K.
Lieder
Brown
YES: 0   NO: 0   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  Pass Without Objection
11:08:36 AM  
The bill sponsors provided closing comments on the bill.
11:11:10 AM  
Members of the committee provided closing comments on the bill.


11:15:35 AM
 Motion Refer Senate Bill 25-042, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.
Moved Bradfield
Seconded English
Bradfield Yes
Bradley Yes
DeGraaf No
English Yes
Feret Yes
Garcia Sander Yes
Gilchrist Yes
Hamrick Yes
McCormick Yes
Rydin Yes
Stewart K. Yes
Lieder Yes
Brown Yes
Final YES: 12   NO: 1   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS



HB25-1252 - Postponed Indefinitely

11:15:47 AM  
The committee was placed in a brief recess.
11:18:54 AM  
The committee came back to order.
11:19:06 AM  
The primary bill
sponsor, Representative Bottoms, introduced House Bill 25-1252 to the House
Health and Human Services Committee. The bill requires the Department of
Public Health and Environment to license and regulate abortion clinics
that perform second- and third-trimester abortion procedures. This excludes
hospitals and hospital units that are regulated separately.
11:27:19 AM  
The bill sponsor responded to questions from the committee.
11:40:15 AM  
Claudia Perez, representing
Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, testified in opposition to the
bill. Vanessa Martinez, representing Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity
and Reproductive Rights (COLOR), testified in opposition to the bill. Ms.
Kara Allison, representing JEDI Advocacy Council, testified in opposition
to the bill. Jason Knebel, representing themself, testified in opposition
to the bill. Mrs. Kiera Hatton, representing Cobalt, testified in opposition
to the bill.
11:52:47 AM  
The panel responded to questions from the committee.
12:01:03 PM  
Ms. Kristy Neeley,
representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Steven Aden,
representing Americans United for Life, testified in support of the bill.
Dr. Catherine Wheeler, representing American Association of Prolife Ob-Gyns
Action, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Keri Kasun, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill.
12:12:13 PM  
The panel responded to questions from the committee.
12:18:08 PM  
Deanne Wikler, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Lloyd Benes, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Thomas Perille, representing
Democrats for Life of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Brittany
Vessely, representing Colorado Catholic Conference, testified in support
of the bill.



Multiple handouts
were provided to the committee (Attachment D and Attachment E).
12:28:38 PM  
The panel responded to questions from the committee.
12:35:12 PM  
Mrs. Heidi Brooker,
representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Wendy Smith,
representing AAPLOG Action, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Linda
Sagastume, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr.
Scott Horak, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.
12:46:06 PM  
The panel responded to questions from the committee.
12:47:23 PM  
Nancy Eason, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Donna LaBelle, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Elizabeth Tovado, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Erin Meschke, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Verity Schramm, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Shannon Johnson, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill.
12:58:55 PM  
Sabrina Balester,
representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Jodie Nickerson,
representing themself, testified in support of the bill.



Additional written
testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment F).
01:05:06 PM  
The panel responded to questions from my committee.
01:08:49 PM  
The bill sponsor provided closing comments on the bill.
01:11:29 PM  
Members of the committee provided closing comments on the bill.


01:16:02 PM
 Motion Refer House Bill 25-1252 to the Committee on Finance.
Moved Bradley
Seconded DeGraaf
Bradfield Yes
Bradley Yes
DeGraaf Yes
English No
Feret No
Garcia Sander Yes
Gilchrist No
Hamrick No
McCormick No
Rydin Excused
Stewart K. No
Lieder No
Brown No
YES: 4   NO: 8   EXC: 1   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  FAIL


01:17:20 PM
 Motion Postpone House Bill 25-1252 indefinitely.
Moved Lieder
Seconded Feret
Bradfield No
Bradley No
DeGraaf No
English Yes
Feret Yes
Garcia Sander No
Gilchrist Yes
Hamrick Yes
McCormick Yes
Rydin Excused
Stewart K. Yes
Lieder Yes
Brown Yes
Final YES: 8   NO: 4   EXC: 1   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS



HB25-1253 - Postponed Indefinitely
01:17:28 PM  
The committee took a brief recess.
01:32:54 PM  
The committee came back to order.
01:33:06 PM  
The primary bill
sponsor, Representative Bradley, introduced House Bill 25-1253 to the House
Health and Human Services Committee. The bill places the following requirements
and restrictions related to gender dysphoria and medical care of minors
medical professionals or individuals may not perform, cause, or assist
in the performance of medical related treatments that are deemed inconsistent
with the minor’s biological sex (violations by medical professional constitutes
unprofessional conduct); state funds, including through a government health
plan, may not be used on any health care service related to gender transition
procedures; parental consent is required for any treatment or activity
that is designed to form a minor’s conception of sex and gender or treat
gender dysphoria or nonconformity; and government employees must report
a minor’s desire to present as a different gender to the minor’s parent
or guardian. Further, the bill establishes the following legal protections
a civil right of action for anyone harmed by a violation of the bill; whistleblower
protections for anyone who reports violations of the bill; protections
against state disciplinary action for anyone for communicating or providing
guidance or counsel in accordance with their conscience or religious beliefs;
and whistleblower protections for anyone who reports what they believe
to be a violation of law or health care best practices, gross mismanagement,
or a threat to public health or safety.
01:41:48 PM  
The bill sponsor
responded to questions from the committee.
01:52:38 PM  
Valerie Leal, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Taylor Romero, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Shannon Johnson, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Mia Hughes, representing themself,
testified in support of the bill. Erin Lee, representing themself, testified
in support of the bill.
02:05:18 PM  
The panel responded to questions from the committee.
02:11:23 PM  
Styler Ells, representing
themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Jaxon Nelson, representing
themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Mel Rapp, representing
themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Becki Logsdon, representing
themself, testified in opposition to the bill.
02:21:03 PM  
The panel responded to questions from the committee.
02:25:01 PM  
Mr. Skylar Patron,
representing One Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Dr. Olivia
Compton, representing Inside Out Youth Services, testified in opposition
to the bill. Brandi Hardy, representing One Colorado, testified in opposition
to the bill. Ms. Penelope Mercury, representing themself, testified in
opposition to the bill.
02:35:25 PM  
The panel responded to questions from the committee.
02:41:27 PM  
Jack Teter, representing
Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, testified in opposition to the
bill. Mr. Alex Floyd, representing One Colorado, testified in opposition
to the bill. Ms. Tonya Allen, representing themself, testified in opposition
to the bill.
02:48:31 PM  
The panel responded to questions from the committee.
02:55:44 PM  
Mr. Trevor Steen,
representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Dawn Fritz,
representing Colorado PTA, testified in opposition to the bill. Emily Stout,
representing Rocky Mountain Equality, testified in opposition to the bill.
Ms. Kara Allison, representing JEDI Advocacy Council, testified in opposition
to the bill. Dr. Jax Gonzalez, representing One Colorado, testified in
opposition to the bill.
03:09:22 PM  
The panel responded to questions from the committee.
03:16:20 PM  
Mr. Jason Zook, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Heidi Brooker, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Steven Broman, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Catherine Wheeler, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill.
03:25:45 PM  
The panel responded to questions from the committee.
03:33:11 PM  
Ms. Kristy Neeley,
representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Jody Nickerson,
representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Lloyd Benes,
representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Brittany Vessely,
representing Colorado Catholic Conference, testified in support of the
bill. Dr. Roy Eappen, representing themself, testified in support of the
bill.



A handout was
provided to the committee (Attachment G).
03:45:42 PM  
The panel responded to questions from the committee.
03:47:27 PM  
Dr. Jane Anderson,
representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Nancy Eason, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Donna LaBelle, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Colleen Enos, representing
Christian Home Educators of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.
Ms. Judy Papenfuss, representing themself, testified in support of the
bill.
03:59:50 PM  
The panel responded to questions from the committee.
04:04:56 PM  
Ms. Laura Haynes,
representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. LaurelAnne
Flahive, representing Pikes Peak Citizens for Life, testified in support
of the bill. Ms. Alix Farley, representing themself, testified in opposition
to the bill. Ms. Erin Meschke, representing themself, testified in support
of the bill.
04:14:38 PM  
Haley Thompson, representing
themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Sven Scharpen, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Stefanie Severance, representing
themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Kari Kasun, representing
themself, testified in support of the bill.



Additional written
testimony was submitted to the committee (Attachment H).
04:24:48 PM  
The panel responded to questions from the committee.
04:27:53 PM  
The primary bill sponsor provided closing comments on the bill.
04:39:05 PM  
Members of the committee provided closing comments on the bill.


04:48:02 PM
 Motion Refer House Bill 25-1253 to the Committee on Finance.
Moved Bradley
Seconded DeGraaf
Bradfield Yes
Bradley Yes
DeGraaf Yes
English Yes
Feret No
Garcia Sander Yes
Gilchrist No
Hamrick No
McCormick No
Rydin No
Stewart K. No
Lieder No
Brown No
YES: 5   NO: 8   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  FAIL


04:49:04 PM
 Motion Postpone House Bill 25-1253 indefinitely.
Moved Lieder
Seconded Feret
Bradfield Yes
Bradley No
DeGraaf No
English No
Feret Yes
Garcia Sander No
Gilchrist Yes
Hamrick Yes
McCormick Yes
Rydin Yes
Stewart K. Yes
Lieder Yes
Brown Yes
Final YES: 9   NO: 4   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS


04:49:11 PM   The committee adjourned.






The effective date for bills enacted without a safety clause is August 6, 2025, if the General Assembly adjourns sine die on May 7, 2025 (unless otherwise specified). Details

Request for Proposal for the COYAC Contract. Details

Our website is currently undergoing a redesign in order to provide a better experience for everyone. View the Beta site

The Senate and House of Representatives will not convene on Friday, April 18, 2025 in observance of Good Friday