3DC2BE67F31CF6958725823C00715E6D Hearing Summary

The committee was called to order. All members were present. Representatives Benavidez and Lee, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 18-1081, concerning requiring the State Court Administrator to administer a division to remind criminal defendants to appear in court as scheduled.  Committee members received a handout showing the budgets of Colorado's counties (Attachment A), and amendment L.003 (Attachment B). The committee heard testimony on the bill at its February 15 meeting. Representative Benavidez explained the effect of amendment L.003, and addressed some questions raised at the earlier meeting.  Representative Lee provided additional remarks about the stakeholder process involved in drafting amendment L.003. Representatives Benavidez and Lee responded to questions regarding the positions of certain stakeholders on the amendment. Representative Benavidez responded to questions regarding whether fees are assessed to those who will receive reminders under the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding whether the communication medium used for providing notification under the bill will change in the future. Discussion followed regarding the potential for creating an aggravating factor when a defendant receives a notice to appear in court as prescribed by HB 18-1081 and still does not appear.  Mr. Terry Scanlon, representing the Judicial Department, explained the department's position on certain provisions in amendment L.003.  Discussion ensued regarding the effect of these provisions.

Various committee members provided their positions on HB 18-1081. The sponsors provided closing remarks in support of the bill.