S_HHS_2025A 02/12/2025 09:45:46 AM Committee Summary

Senators Hinrichsen and Kipp, primary bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 25-008, which eliminates the Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) authority to contract with a vendor to administer the Necessary Document Program; allows an individual eligible for the program to obtain necessary documents at no cost to the individual at participating Department of Motor Vehicles locations, participating mobile units or authorized representatives that offer necessary documents, or participating vital statistics offices; establishes that an individual must provide verification of need by legal service providers, in addition to the standard identity verification requirements, to receive a necessary vital document other than a birth certificate; and clarifies how the CDPHE may use its annual $300,000 General Fund appropriation, including for reimbursements to the Department of Revenue and the CDPHE for necessary documents issued at no cost to eligible individuals under the program. Senator Hinrichsen provided a handout to the committee (Attachment A).

Andrew West, representing
All Families Deserve a Chance Coalition, testified in support of the bill.



Jack Murphy, representing
Colorado Nonprofit Association, testified in support of the bill.



Arlen Zamula,
representing Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, was
available to answer committee questions.

Aubrey Wilde, representing
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, testified in support of the bill.



Ms. Chaer Robert,
representing Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in support of
the bill.



Erica Doyle, representing
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, testified in support of the bill.



Mr. Ryan MacDowell,
representing Colorado Poverty Law Project, testified in support of the
bill.



Ms. Serena Thomas,
representing Homeward Alliance, testified in support of the bill.



Committee members
asked the panel questions.

Ms. Lindsay Christopher,
representing Violence Free Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



Mr. Charlie Kestler,
representing themself, testified in support of the bill.



Ms. Dayana Leyva,
representing Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, testified in support of
the bill.

Senator Hinrichsen explained amendment L.001 (Attachment B).

The primary bill sponsors provided closing remarks.

Committee members provided closing remarks.