Rep. Rob Bottoms introduced HB 25‑1251 as a measure to require parental consent for a wide range of medical services for minors, with limited statutory carve‑outs. He told the committee the intent was to make explicit that parents must be involved in medical decisions for children.

The hearing drew strongly divergent testimony. Opponents — including LGBTQ and youth‑advocacy organizations, clinicians who treat adolescents, and public‑health groups — warned the bill would erect barriers that could prevent young people from accessing time‑sensitive or confidential care, including mental‑health services and sexually transmitted infection testing and treatment. “For many LGBTQ youth, mental health care isn't a luxury, it's a lifeline,” Nadine Bridges of One Colorado told the committee.

Supporters said the measure was a common‑sense protection for parents and children. Several parents described experiences in which they said schools, counselors, or providers arranged treatment without parental knowledge. “Parents are the most qualified individuals to make informed health‑care decisions on behalf of their children,” Lloyd Benes told the committee.

Nut graf: Committee members asked about carve‑outs, existing law and the practical consequences of changing current minor‑consent rules. After debate, the initial motion to recommend the bill to the Committee of the Whole failed on the committee roll call. Members later moved to postpone HB 25‑1251 indefinitely; that motion carried 9–4.

Detailed points raised

- Opponents, including clinicians and public‑health advocates, warned that the bill would reduce access to mental‑health services and preventive care for young people who may lack safe parental relationships. Alex Floyd, a licensed clinical social worker, described cases in which teenagers accessed therapy without parental consent and later involved their families as care progressed.

- Supporters argued parents have a fundamental and constitutionally protected interest in directing the upbringing and medical care of their children. Several parents said the existing patchwork of minor‑consent laws leaves parents unable to fulfill that responsibility in some situations.

Formal action

- Motion to move HB 25‑1251 to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation was made and seconded. The motion failed on the committee roll call.

- Motion to postpone HB 25‑1251 indefinitely was then made and seconded; the committee approved the motion to postpone indefinitely by roll call (9–4).

Why it matters

The bill touches a contentious set of issues: parental rights, adolescent autonomy, confidential health services, and the role of schools and community organizations in referring or providing care. Opponents said the proposal would harm vulnerable youth who may be safest seeking confidential treatment; supporters said the bill is about parental responsibility and safety.

Ending

After a late‑night hearing with large turnout, the committee postponed HB 25‑1251 indefinitely. Sponsors and opponents both said they would continue to press their positions in future sessions.