S_JUD_2020A 02/05/2020 01:33:41 PM Committee Summary

Senator Foote, prime sponsor, explained Senate Bill 20-064, concerning the repeal of a prohibition on the state Attorney General bringing an action under state antitrust law when certain corporate actions have been reviewed by a federal entity. 

Jan Zavislan, representing the Department of Law, testified in support of the bill.  He provided an overview and history of mergers and antitrust laws in Colorado.  He explained that current law interferes with the state's authority to protect its citizens when a merger occurs.  He answered questions from the committee about mergers and the need for repealing the prohibition as outlined in the bill.  

Senator Gardner, prime sponsor, explained Senate Bill 20-114, concerning the "Uniform Registration of Canadian Money Judgment Act."   He distributed a handout about the act (Attachment A).  He discussed foreign judgments and explained that the bill streamlines the process for bringing a Canadian judgment to a Colorado court.

Senator Ginal, co-prime sponsor, explained Senate Bill 20-102, concerning required disclosures to patients regarding formal actions based on sexual misconduct.  Senator Ginal discussed that this bill attempts to address an issue that was uncovered during sunset reviews last year about medical providers who abuse their position of trust, reporting, and transparency. 

Raana Simmons, representing the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, testified in support of the bill.  She noted that the bill protects patient safety while providing a new accountability and disciplinary process for medical providers who have engaged in misconduct. 

Pamela Maass, representing herself, spoke in favor of the measure.  She discussed the underreporting of medical sexual misconduct and the cumbersome process for reporting it that is currently in place. 

Committee members asked questions about the range of sexual misconduct the bill covers and the time periods involved. 

Alison McCarthy, representing herself, testified in support of the measure.  She relayed a personal experience of being sexually abused by a doctor and the need for patients to make informed decisions about medical care. 

Katherine Bultheis, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill.  She relayed a personal experience with a medical provider and the need for a formal complaint process. 

The committee took a brief recess. 

The committee was called back to order.  Senator Cooke, co-prime sponsor, joined the hearing and explained the bill.  He provided statistics and discussed the merits of the bill.  

The committee discussed "substandard violations" and the reporting of them.    

Senator Cooke presented Amendments L. 003 (Attachment B) and L. 004 (Attachment C).

Sophia San Miguel, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.