Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council
Legislative and Public Policy Committee (L&PP)
Minutes
Date: March 3, 2015
Mission: The Legislative & Public Policy Committee guides the Council by actualizing the Council’s vision to
establish and implement public policy which will further the independence, productivity and integration of
people with developmental disabilities by effecting positive system change.
The Committee is guided by all goals and objectives of the Council’s Five-Year Plan for 2012-2016.
The Committee specifically addresses Goal 5, Objective One of the Plan.
Goal 5: Improve the quality of life, and increase real choices for people with disabilities to live in
their communities by providing them the resources they need to live a quality inclusive life.
Objective 2: Engage in public policy and advocacy activities that encourage and result in the
simplification and coordination of systems and resources for the support of people with
developmental disabilities.
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Agenda: UPDATES
Meeting called to order at 11:03 AM
There was no quorum to approve the minutes.
Legislative Update: Julie Farrar said that most bills the Committee was following were postponed indefinitely.
SB15-015-Mental Health Parity for Autism Spectrum Disorders
-sponsored by Sen. Kefalas and Rep. Primavera
-oppose
-autism is not to be treated as a mental illness for purposes of health care coverage
SB15-073-Restrict Statewide Tests to Federal Requirements
-sponsored by Sen. Merrifield
-opposed to legislation
-using only the American College Testing (ACT) as an assessment of high school graduation is a
concern because the ACT is not based on the Individual Education Plan (IEP)
-privacy concerns if accommodations are required from the testing company
SB15-077-Parent’s Bill of Rights
-sponsored by Sen. T. Neville and Rep. P. Neville
-support with amendments
-schools must provide all parents with engagement opportunities
SB15-109-Mandatory Abuse Report for Adults with a Disability
-sponsored by Sen. Grantham and Rep. Young
-opposed to legislation, could change to neutral or support with amendments
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-mandatory reporting for this group is appropriate; mandatory reporting for the rest of people, is not.
HB15-1018-Protecting Seniors from Elder Abuse
-sponsored by Sen. Jahn and Reps. Kraft-Tharp and Nordberg
-support
-follow legislation to ensure people under 70 are not part of it
HB15-1098-Red Light Camera
-sponsored by Sen. T. Neville and Rep. Humphrey
-oppose
-only tool to enforce crosswalk encroachment; concern that it is a “cash cow” for municipalities
HB15-1182-Scope of Practice Certified Nurse Aides
-sponsored by Sen. Aguilar and Rep. Lontine
-support
-allows a certified nurse aide deemed competent by a registered nurse to perform regular, homebased services
HB15-1188-Vocational Rehabilitation Programs and Services
-sponsored by Sen. T. Neville and Rep. Ryden
-needs amendments
-bill should align with Federal regulations; should not presume people cannot benefit from Voc
Rehab; prohibits seeking treatment out of country and preferences to services in Colorado, which
may not be appropriate for border-living individuals
Public Comment: Julie reminded everyone that the ADA Legacy Tour Bus will be at ADAPT and the Capitol on
March 10, from noon to 5 pm. It is important for legislators to be educated about people with
disabilities and the disability culture.
Mellisa Umphenour said the Art Museum would be hosting a “Stand Up for Kids” event on
March 17, but registration is required.
Julie will organize a small, informational meeting on the issues surrounding guardianship.
She will reach out to Tim Cortez, Nicole Storm, Barb Ramsay, Tim Hudner and Disability
Law Colorado and others to present to the Committee.
NEXT L&PP MEETING March 17th, 2015 at 11:00 AM
Meeting Adjourned: 12:12 pm
ACTION: Committee will meet at the CDDC offices on April 7 to finalize roles and responsibilities for the April 17-18
Legislative Workshop.
SB15-077 has been selected as the bill to focus on at the workshop in April.
Mike Hoover confirmed his participation on the Awesome Advocacy Panel for Friday, April 17.
Julie suggested Mike write to Senator Ulibarri to offer testimony on SB15-079, and to highlight the
need for affordable, accessible, adaptable and visible housing.
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Those in Attendance: Mike Hoover, Barb Ramsey (GTM), Mellisa Umphenour, Josh Winkler (GTM)
Staff: Julie Farrar, Lionel Llewellyn
Guests: Donna Downing,
Absent: Lisa Franklin, Ed George, Tim Hudner, Lisa Kramer, Bob Lawhead, Hanni Raley, Anaya Robinson, Cynthia Shaffer,
Ty Smith, Rene Walbert
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