AE538B995807791A8725850D00606BAA Hearing Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Senators Story and Smallwood, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 20-126, concerning the operation of a licensed family child care home in a common interest community. Senator Story explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Senator Story provided additional input on the merits of the bill.

Beth Szymanski, representing My Village, testified in support of SB 20-126. She discussed the need for child care in Colorado, and explained how homeowners' associations (HOAs) restrict child care providers. Ms. Szymanski responded to a question about her business.

Jeanne McQueeney, representing Eagle County, testified in support of the bill. She discussed difficulties child care providers experience in finding locations to site their businesses.

Hunter Railey, representing Small Business Majority, testified in support of the bill. He discussed barriers to affordable child care.

Amber Bilby, representing the Colorado Association for Family Child Care, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the child care shortage in Colorado.

Michael Cooke, representing Mission: Readiness, testified in support of SB 20-126.

Kevin Neimond, representing the Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill.

Nicole Riehl, representing EPIC, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding a shortage of child care in Colorado.

Aidan Leonard, representing My Village, made himself available for questions. Discussion ensued regarding HOA liability.  Committee members received amendment L.003 (Attachment A).