Date: 02/19/2009

Final
BILL SUMMARY for HB09-1281

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Moved to refer House Bill 09-1281 to the CommitteePASS



11:15 AM -- House Bill 09-1281

Representative Labuda, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 09-1281, concerning representation on state boards by persons with disabilities. Representative Labuda explained the bill and her reasons for sponsoring it. Representative Labuda responded to questions regarding the position of the Governor's Office on the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the restraining effect of the bill on this office.


11:19 AM

The following persons testified regarding House Bill 09-1281:


11:20 AM --
Ms. Sheryle Hutter, representing the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition/Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council/Parents of Adults with Disabilities-Colorado, and Mr. Ron Hutter, representing himself, testified in favor of the bill. Ms. Hutter discussed issues that arise when people with disabilities are not included in decision-making processes, including the drafting of legislation. Ms. Hutter also discussed potential cost savings as a result of including the disabled community, and the process of filling appointments to boards and commissions in conjunction with the Office of the Governor. Mr. Hutter discussed the importance of including the disabled community in the proceedings of certain state boards.


11:24 AM --
Ms. Faith Gross, representing the Legal Center for People with Disabilities and Older People, testified in favor of House Bill 09-1281. Ms. Gross expressed support for the concept of including members from the disability community on certain boards and commissions, and discussed federal mandates for including such persons in certain decision-making processes.


11:26 AM --
Ms. Paula Rhoads, representing herself, testified in favor of the bill. Ms. Rhoads discussed her public access television program, and the importance of including persons with disabilities in community activities and policy discussions. Ms. Rhoads also discussed certain issues affecting the disabled community, and the capabilities that disabled individuals do have.


11:30 AM --
Mr. Joe Beaver, representing the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, testified in favor of House Bill 09-1281. Mr. Beaver discussed the need for input from the disabled community in policy proceedings, and his experiences with others who have disabilities that are different from his own. Mr. Beaver also discussed the disability rights climate in Denver.


11:35 AM

No amendments were offered to the bill. Representative Labuda returned the discussion to the opinion of the Office of the Governor on House Bill 09-1281, and discussed the ability of the office to attract qualified individuals to serve on boards and commissions. Representative Labuda also presented closing remarks in favor of the bill. Representative Labuda responded to questions regarding the current level of participation on boards and commissions by disabled individuals. Discussion ensued regarding the criteria to be considered in appointing disabled individuals on certain boards, and the need to explore the issues affected by the bill before proceeding. Discussion followed regarding the statutory definition of disability.


BILL:HB09-1281
TIME: 11:43:15 AM
MOVED:Labuda
MOTION:Moved to refer House Bill 09-1281 to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. The motion passed on a 9-2 roll call vote.
SECONDED:Casso
VOTE
Casso
Yes
Court
Yes
Hullinghorst
Yes
Lambert
No
Massey
Yes
McCann
Yes
Miklosi
Yes
Murray
Yes
Nikkel
No
Labuda
Yes
Todd
Yes
Final YES: 9 NO: 2 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS