Date: 04/30/2014

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB14-118

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Refer Senate Bill 14-118 to the Committee of the WPASS



11:37 AM -- SB14-118

Representative Melton, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 14-118. The reengrossed bill conforms several existing definitions with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) related to discrimination of an individual based on his or her disability. This includes changing the term "assistance dog" to "service animal." The bill adds civil penalties for when a service animal or service animal in training is harmed in a willful or wanton manner by a person or another animal. In this instance, the person or the owner of the animal that causes harm is subject to treble damages. An animal care or control agency is exempt from these provisions if, after a good faith effort, the agency is unaware that the animal is a service animal. The bill eliminates an unclassified misdemeanor and a class 3 misdemeanor for violations committed under current law.

The fine for discrimination in places of public accommodation or housing, or violations of the rights of an individual based on a disability is increased from a maximum of $500 to actual monetary damages or a statutory fine of up to $3,500 plus attorney fees and costs.

Representative Melton responded to questions from the committee.

11:43 AM -- Mark Simon, representing himself, testified in support of the bill Mr. Simon provided a fact sheet about the bill (Attachment C). He explained what the bill does and why it is necessary. He indicated that the bill eliminates the need to file a federal case for ADA violations. He spoke about current law with regard to persons with disabilities. He responded to questions about fines contained in the bill.

14HseState0430AttachC.pdf14HseState0430AttachC.pdf

11:50 AM -- Julie Farrar, representing the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Farrar spoke about current law and changes made by the bill. She discussed her experience as a person with disabilities growing up in Denver.

11:53 AM -- Jose Torres, representing the Colorado Cross-disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Torres spoke about the reasons the bill is necessary.

11:54 AM -- Sam Murillo, representing Family Voices Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Murillo provided closing comments in support of the bill. He responded to questions from the committee.

11:58 AM -- Natalie Orrell, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Orrell reiterated the testimony of prior witnesses.
BILL:SB14-118
TIME: 12:01:02 PM
MOVED:Melton
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 14-118 to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a vote of 8-3.
SECONDED:Moreno
VOTE
Conti
No
Dore
Yes
Foote
Yes
Humphrey
No
Labuda
Yes
Melton
Yes
Moreno
Yes
Nordberg
No
Williams
Yes
Salazar
Yes
Ryden
Yes
Final YES: 8 NO: 3 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS



12:04 PM

The committee adjourned.