Committee advances bill to restore judicial hearings and youth standing in dependency cases

House Bill 12‑27 returned to the Senate Health and Human Services Committee as sponsors sought to restore a judicial hearing when a county seeks to dismiss a dependency or neglect petition and to reaffirm the longstanding role of children and youth as parties in proceedings affecting their liberty and family relationships.

Sponsors said the bill restores a protection that existed for nearly 40 years and that a recent Colorado Supreme Court decision (referred to in testimony as RMP/RNP) narrowed statutory authority for youth participation. Supporters including the Office of the Child’s Representative and OCR staff said the version before the committee reflected extensive stakeholder negotiation and would re‑establish due process protections for children represented by counsel.

The committee heard both strong support and pointed opposition. Several witnesses with lived experience and OCR staff described cases where children’s voices and safety concerns needed judicial consideration. Richard Polk, the father in the cited Colorado Supreme Court decision, testified in opposition, describing what he characterized as harmful outcomes in his family and arguing the bill attempts to overturn the court’s decision.

After wrap‑up statements, the committee voted unanimously to advance House Bill 12‑27 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. The committee adjourned after noting every bill that evening had passed unanimously.