Two proposals from Rep. Meg Froelich to support domestic violence survivors and parents in custody court were approved by the Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee
DENVER, CO– The House Public & Behavioral Health & Human Services Committee today passed two of Representative Meg Froelich’s bills to increase domestic violence training requirements and update child support statues.
“Giving court personnel the training they need to identify and assess instances of domestic violence will make their jobs easier and hopefully save lives,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “The many tragic stories we heard in committee today demonstrate how critical it is for us to be better prepared to deal with domestic violence in the courts. I’m proud of the work the committee did today to stand up for families and ensure our statutes and courts are up-to-date and ready to serve Colorado.”
HB21-1228 would clarify and increase domestic violence training requirements for court personnel who frequently deal with cases related to domestic matters, such as custody disputes. Training for all personnel includes both an initial training as well as an ongoing annual continuing education. The training would encompass domestic violence and its traumatic effects on children, adults and families. This bill is directly responsive to cases of domestic violence in Colorado, including the tragic murder of 10 year old Ty Tesoriero. The bill passed 13-0.
HB21-1220 would update Colorado’s statutes by enacting the recommendations of the Colorado Child Support Commission regarding how child support is enforced and calculated. Among the changes made are provisions that would reduce the interest rate on unpaid child support, clarify which courts that have jurisdiction over child support matters, as well as technical amendments and provisions updating outdated language. The bill passed 13-0.