4AA0F82B07AC5082872588370071CBCB Hearing Summary

The committee was called to order.  A quorum was present.  Representatives Carver and Weissman, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 22-201, concerning independent oversight of matters concerning judicial discipline.  Representative Carver explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.  Representative Weissman provided additional input on the merits of the legislation.

Letitia Maxfield, representing the Legislative Policy Committee of the Colorado Bar Association, testified on SB 22-201 from a neutral position.

Marilyn Chappell, representing the Colorado Judicial Institute, testified on the bill from an "amend" position.

Robin Austin, representing Families Against Court Embezzlement Unethical Standards, testified against the bill.

Chris Forsyth, representing the Judicial Integrity Project, testified in opposition to the bill.

Jenni Dees, representing herself, testified in support of SB 22-201.

Emma Garrison, representing the Colorado Women's Bar Association, testified in support of the bill.

Elizabeth Espinosa Krupa, representing the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline, testified in support of the bill.

Steven Vasconcellos, representing Colorado Courts, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Espinosa Krupa responded to questions regarding funding for the Commission on Judicial Discipline. Mr. Vasconcellos responded to questions regarding how the bill would affect funding for the commission. Discussion ensued regarding staffing for the commission under the bill, and information sharing between the Judicial Branch and the commission. Discussion followed regarding the work of the commission, including the complaint process.

Maralee McLean, representing Moms Fight Back, testified in opposition to SB 22-201.

Luanne Fleming, representing Families Against Court Embezzlement Unethical Standards, testified in opposition to the bill.

Rosemary Van Gorder, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Representative Carver explained the effect of amendments L.022 (Attachment A) and L.023 (Attachment B). Representative Weissman provided additional input on the effect of the amendments. Discussion ensued regarding staffing for the Commission on Judicial Discipline.

Representative Carver explained the effect of amendment L.024 (Attachment C).

Representative Weissman explained some clean-up amendments that he will offer to the bill on second reading. Representatives Carver and Weissman provided closing remarks in support of SB 22-201. Discussion ensued regarding the merits of the bill.