Results from HB 19-1312 Committee Hearing

Dear friends,

The House Health and Insurance Committee hearing for HB19-1312 (School Immunization Requirements) was held yesterday. Hopefully, you are aware that both CHEC and HSLDA strongly oppose this bill because it will impose significant and unreasonable burdens on all Colorado families. (You can learn more about the bill on our action page here.) 

Here’s a quick update on the committee hearing:

• Over 600 people signed up to testify.
• Testimony lasted for over 12 hours.
• Carolyn and I both testified around 1:00 am.
• Although the bill sponsor stated at the beginning of the hearing that this bill will not impact homeschoolers, he later acknowledged that he had come to the understanding that the bill will in fact impact homeschoolers.
• CHEC and HSLDA worked with Representatives Geitner and Baisley to offer an amendment that would exclude homeschoolers from the scope of the bill. This amendment was voted down at the request of the bill sponsor on a party line vote.
• The bill passed through the committee on a party line vote (meaning each committee member voted yes/no based on their political party).

The bill is now referred to the committee as a whole for a second reading, which is when it will be debated on the House floor. We will let you know when the date for the second reading has been determined.

There are still several steps in the process before this bill becomes law, so we need you to take additional action now! 

Please call and email your Representative immediately. Additional instructions and specific wording to use for your opposition can be found on our action page. 

Also please register for Homeschool Day at the Capitol. Your family’s presence at this event is especially critical at this time.

Thank you for standing with us!

Steve Craig
CHEC Executive Director

Carolyn Martin
CHEC Homeschool Legislative Liaison