Date: 03/18/2015

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB15-186

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Refer Senate Bill 15-186 to the Committee on ApproPASS



12:20 PM -- SB15-186

Representatives Garnett and Dore, sponsors, introduced Senate Bill 15-186, which exempts yoga teacher training programs from regulation by the Division of Private Occupational Schools (DPOS) within the Department of Higher Education. Representative Garnett described the civic activism of the yoga community which led to the creation of the bill and told the committee how DPOS sent letters to 82 yoga studios telling them that because they offer teacher training courses, they were required to obtain certification as an occupational school. He described bipartisan support for the bill in the Senate and told the committee that yoga teacher training is not like other occupational training. Representative Dore spoke about the need to reduce government regulations. He described the provisions of the bill. Representatives Dore and Garnett responded to questions from the committee.


12:31 PM

The following people testified:

12:31 PM -- Sandy Kline, representing herself, spoke in opposition to the bill. She described the benefits to students and to yoga teacher training schools of regulation under DPOS. She described the health risks to people with serious illnesses of yoga teachers that are not adequately trained. She spoke about the DPOS complaint process.

12:42 PM -- Karen Lewis, representing herself, spoke in opposition to the bill. She spoke about yoga teachers seeking employment in hospitals and schools and how these individuals, working with vulnerable populations, need regulated training programs.

12:48 PM -- Robert Martin, representing the Colorado School of Trades Gunsmithing School, spoke in opposition to the bill. He described his school's positive experiences under DPOS regulation. He described the January 27 meeting between DPOS and representatives of the Yoga Alliance. He spoke about the need for regulation. He described other types of career training schools that may come asking for exemptions if this bill passes.

12:52 PM -- Gina Caputo, representing Colorado Yoga, spoke in support of the bill. She described her organization, and her experiences with DPOS. She described the diversity of yoga practice and how regulation threatens many small businesses.

12:57 PM -- Heather Lindemann, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill. She told the committee that the bill is necessary to prevent many small, woman-owned businesses from closing. She described boutique yoga studios. She told the committee that regulation would require her business to raise its fees.

12:59 PM -- Lenora Degen, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill. She told the committee that these small businesses are insured and that regulation will affect organizations such as Pikes Peak Hospice and donation-only yoga studios. She described the importance of making yoga training more accessible, not less.

01:03 PM -- Alex Jarboe, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill. He described his business and how the bill will support yoga studios.

01:05 PM -- Christen Bakken, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill. She told the committee about her studio. Ms. Bakken responded to questions from the committee. Committee discussion ensued.

01:10 PM -- Beth Sanchez, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill. She told the committee that yogis who work with pregnant women, children, or ill individuals need specialized training, but that blanket regulations for all schools are not appropriate.

01:12 PM -- Mary Kanaly and Inta Morris, representing DPOS, came to the table to respond to questions from the committee. Committee discussion ensued.
BILL:SB15-186
TIME: 01:29:03 PM
MOVED:Lundeen
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 15-186 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a vote of 10-1.
SECONDED:Garnett
VOTE
Everett
Yes
Fields
No
Garnett
Yes
Lee
Yes
Lundeen
Yes
Moreno
Yes
Priola
Yes
Wilson
Yes
Windholz
Yes
Pettersen
Yes
Buckner
Yes
Final YES: 10 NO: 1 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS


01:31 PM

The committee adjourned.