House Bill 1310: Creating An Overly Broad Definition of Mental Abuse

Sponsor:
Representative Lynn Hefley

Summary:
H.B. 1310 will make a very broad definition of "mental abuse" a felony.

Status:
A hearing on House Bill 1310 was scheduled and then cancelled before the Colorado House Judiciary Committee.

Action Requested:
None at this time.

Background:
As currently written, H.B. 1310 makes it a felony if an individual "engages in conduct that substantially impairs a child's intellectual or psychological functioning or development or if such person engages in conduct that carries a risk of substantially impairing a child's intellectual or psychological functioning or development."

Almost any action by a parent could be interpreted to fit into this broad definition.

Representative Hefley, the Chairwoman of the House Judiciary, has agreed to work with HSLDA to improve the bills.

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