Date: 04/24/2015

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB15-020

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON PUBLIC HEALTH CARE & HUMAN SERVICES

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Refer Senate Bill 15-020 to the Committee on ApproPASS



03:33 PM -- SB 15-020

Representative McCann introduced Senate Bill 15-020. The bill expands the duties of the School Safety Resource Center in the Colorado Department of Public Safety to include providing materials and training to personnel in school districts and charter schools, parents, and students regarding the awareness and prevention of child sexual abuse and assault. She responded to questions from the committee.

03:39 PM -- Karen Moldovan, Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, testified in support of the bill and discussed the necessity of training regarding sexual abuse. She discussed issues resulting from the lack of training for school personnel regarding sexual abuse. She stated that the bill will provide resources and training so that victims receive the necessary support following a sexual assault. She responded to questions from the committee regarding the School Safety Resource Center and statistics regarding sexual abuse.

03:48 PM -- Megan McDonald, Colorado School Counselor Association, testified in support of the bill. She stated that there is stigma and secrecy regarding child sexual abuse, and having resources available will assist counselors in working with teachers and students regarding the issue. She responded to questions from the committee.

03:54 PM -- Chrisann Scadden, representing herself, shared her personal story regarding the abuse suffered by her son and his subsequent death. She testified in support of the bill.

03:57 PM -- Suzy Shotts, Wings Foundation, shared her personal story regarding the abuse she suffered in her youth and spoke in support of increased training for school personal. She spoke in support of the bill.

04:00 PM -- Elena Clark, representing herself, shared her personal story regarding the abuse she suffered in her youth and spoke in support of the bill.

04:03 PM -- Cathy Burds, representing herself, shared her personal story regarding the abuse she suffered in her youth. She discussed the importance of prevention and spoke in support of the bill.

04:06 PM -- Jason Burds, representing himself, stated that children need adults to listen to what they have to say and to respond in an appropriate manner. He spoke in support of the bill.

04:09 PM -- Amy Ashford, representing herself and the Wings Foundation, discussed the abuse she suffered as a child, and the ways the abuse affected her life. She discussed the importance of training for school personnel to help children who are being abused.

04:11 PM -- Christine Harms, Colorado School Safety Resource Center, discussed the establishment of the center in 2008, and its role in providing training, consultation, and resources to schools regarding safety issues. She discussed the importance of school staff and parents having information regarding sexual abuse and for students to have training on personal safety. She responded to questions from the committee regarding how the center works with schools to train teachers and schools.

04:22 PM

Representative McCann gave concluding remarks regarding the bill. She responded to questions from the committee regarding whether the bill contains any reporting requirements.

BILL:SB15-020
TIME: 04:24:10 PM
MOVED:Landgraf
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 15-020 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a vote of 11-2.
SECONDED:Ginal
VOTE
Conti
Yes
Danielson
Yes
Everett
No
Ginal
Yes
Joshi
No
Landgraf
Yes
Melton
Yes
Moreno
Yes
Sias
Yes
Tyler
Yes
Windholz
Yes
Singer
Yes
Primavera
Yes
Final YES: 11 NO: 2 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS