Date: 02/15/2006
Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB06-1207
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
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12:50 PM -- House Bill 06-1207
Representative Stafford, co-sponsor, presented the bill on behalf of Representative Coleman. Representative Coleman was delayed in another committee and gave Representative Stafford permission to present HB 1207.
The following persons testified.
12:53 PM -- Peg Long, Colorado Association of Family and Children's Agencies (CAFCA), discussed a study of foster care alternatives by the Department of Human Services. The study was required by Senate Bill 01-211. Salaried foster parents are one alternative to traditional foster care. The bill's provisions target sibling groups and high need children. Child Placement Agencies would not be required to have salaried foster parents but under the bill would have the option to have such caregivers. Ms. Long stated interested persons are working on second reading amendments to address concerns with the bill. She answered questions about other states' experiences with salaried foster parents.
01:08 PM -- Pat Ratliff, Colorado Counties, Inc. (CCI), stated CCI does not yet have a position on the bill. She did express concerns, however, with possible unintended consequences, including a loss of foster parents by counties and the extension of governmental immunity to salaried foster parents. Representative Coleman responded and stated she is considering amendments to the bill. She stated the idea for the bill originated with a 2002 State Auditor's report.
01:16 PM
Representative Boyd stated the bill would be scheduled for action only on February 20. The committee adjourned.