The committee recessed.

The committee came back to order. Senators Jodeh and Kipp introduced House Bill 25-1011, concerning private equity ownership of child care centers.

Kathlyn McHenry, representing Early Care & Education Consortium, testified in opposition to the bill. Alethea Gomez, representing Executives Partnering to Invest in Children (EPIC), testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. David McMurtry, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Alison May, representing KinderCare Learning Companies, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Charlotte Staton, representing The Gardner School, testified in opposition to the bill. The panelists responded to questions from the committee.

Brian Gutman, representing Learning Care Group, testified in opposition to the bill. Kendra Dunn, representing Colorado Department of Early Childhood, testified in opposition to the bill. Arthur Rolnick, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mrs. Naomi Janowiak, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. The panelists responded to the questions from the committee.

Melissa Mares, representing the Colorado Children's Campaign, testified in support of the bill. Elliot Haspel, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Sara Flater, representing Mother Forward, testified in support of the bill. Deborah Gray, representing Colorado Department of Early Childhood, was available to answer committee questions. She responded to questions from the committee.

Additional written testimony that was provided to the committee may be found in Attachment C.

The committee took a recess.

The sponsors made closing comments on the merits of the bill. Committee members made comments on the merits of the bill.