06528F911E7361A38725895D00713DA0 Hearing Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representatives Lindsay and Amabile, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 23-1133, concerning the cost of communications services for persons in custody. Representative Lindsay explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.  Representative Amabile provided further input on the merits of the legislation. Discussion ensued regarding data on recidivism rates in Colorado.

Jamie Ray, representing the Second Chance Center, testified in support of HB 23-1133.

Kayla Frawley, representing ProgressNow Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ealasha Vaughner, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Bianca Tylek, representing Worth Rises, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding opportunities that arise via telephone, such as reentry programming, for those who are incarcerated. Ms. Tylek responded to questions regarding laws in other states similar to the proposal in HB 23-1133, and the results of the policy in these states. Ms. Tylek responded to further questions regarding profit realized by telecommunications companies that provide service to incarcerated offenders.

Natalie Perez, representing Stand for Children, testified in support of HB 23-1133.

Annie Terry, representing the Second Chance Center, testified in support of the bill.

Mx. Indra Lusero, representing Elephant Circle, testified in support of the bill. Mx. Lusero responded to questions regarding the potential for creating means testing for the program created by the bill.

Luna Bejaran, representing the Stand for Children, testified in support of HB 23-1133. Lauren Smith, representing Soul 2 Soul Sisters, testified in support of the bill. Ebony White, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Janelle Jenkins, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Yvonne Franklin, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. George Davis, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. MJ Coleman Jackson, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs. Sharon Battle, representing Together Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. No amendments were offered to HB 23-1133. Representatives Lindsay and Amabile provided closing remarks in support of the bill. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.