Bill Summary for Bill Number HB09-1139

Date: 03/11/2009

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB09-1139

SENATE COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Votes: View-->	Action Taken:
Amend page 4, line 5, strike "adult health care;" Refer House Bill 09-1139, as amended, to the Commi	Pass Without Objection PASS

11:42 AM -- House Bill 09-1139

Senator Tochtrop introduced House Bill 09-1139. The bill creates a 10-member Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders Commission to address issues concerning fetal alcohol disorders and to make recommendations. In addition, the bill encourages licensed alcohol vendors to post a health warning sign informing patrons that consuming alcohol during pregnancy may cause birth defects, including Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. She spoke to the importance of education regarding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Senator Tochtrop responded to questions from Senator Newell regarding how the alcohol vendors will be encouraged to post the warning sign. Senator Tochtrop responded to questions from Senator Schultheis regarding warning labels on alcohol beverages and the amount of alcohol consumption that causes Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Various committee members commented on the bill and on similar legislation in other states.

11:54 AM -- Dr. Sharon Langendoerfer, representing the March of Dimes, distributed a handout to the committee (Attachment H). She spoke to the problems caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. She stated that the bill is an additional step toward prevention.

12:00 PM -- Scott Matthews, representing the March of Dimes, testified in support of the bill, stating that there has been little done to promote public awareness of the negative effects of drinking during pregnancy. He stated that alcohol exposure in pregnancy is the leading cause of mental retardation and that creating a commission to promote public awareness is very important. He distributed a handout to the committee (Attachment I).

12:05 PM -- Dr. Pam Gillen, representing the University of Colorado, Denver, responded to questions from Senator Schultheis regarding the level of alcohol consumed during pregnancy that can cause Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. She noted that a number of different organizations have the position that no alcohol should be consumed during pregnancy. She stated that a lot of women receive incorrect information about consuming alcohol during pregnancy. She responded to questions from Senator Schultheis regarding whether there is disagreement among doctors regarding Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. She noted that 20 other states currently have requirements related to warning signs about alcohol consumption during pregnancy. Dr. Gillen responded to questions from Senator Schultheis regarding the preventative effects of warning signs.

12:16 PM -- Cynthia Eikenberg, parent, testified regarding her experience caring for children who were exposed to drugs and alcohol pre-birth. She distributed a copy of her testimony to the committee (Attachment J).

12:19 PM -- Eileen Bisgard, parent, testified regarding her experience caring for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. She distributed two handouts to the committee (Attachments K and L). She stated that the bill is a step towards making a difference in the problem of fetal alcohol exposure. She spoke to the significance of the problem in Adams County. She responded to questions from Senator Schultheis regarding treatment for children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.

12:27 PM

Senator Tochtrop gave concluding remarks regarding the bill.


BILL:	HB09-1139
TIME:	12:27:40 PM
MOVED:	Tochtrop
MOTION:	Amend page 4, line 5, strike "adult health care;" and substitute "family physicians;". The motion passed without objection.
SECONDED:
		VOTE
	Carroll M.
	Lundberg
	Mitchell
	Morse
	Newell
	Schultheis
	Tochtrop
	Boyd

Not Final YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection


BILL:	HB09-1139
TIME:	12:28:15 PM
MOVED:	Tochtrop
MOTION:	Refer House Bill 09-1139, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a 4-3 roll call vote, with one member excused.
SECONDED:
		VOTE
	Carroll M.	Yes
	Lundberg	No
	Mitchell	No
	Morse	Yes
	Newell	Excused
	Schultheis	No
	Tochtrop	Yes
	Boyd	Yes

Final YES: 4 NO: 3 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS

12:32 PM

The committee recessed.