59D0CD6D3B306630872583D200059C97 Hearing Summary

Senators Pettersen and Priola, co-prime sponsors, explained SB19-008 concerning substance use disorder treatment in the criminal justice system.  Senator Pettersen discussed how this bill was generated from the Opioid and Other Substance Use Disorders Interim Study Committee. 

Senator Pettersen distributed and explained amendments L. 001, L. 002 and L. 003 (Attachments U, V, and W).  She noted that the amendments decrease the fiscal note.   

Senator Priola discussed the importance of the bill and the fiscal note.  He distributed a letter in support of the bill from the Colorado Foundation for Universal Health Care (Attachment X). 

Terri Hurst, representing the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, testified in support of the bill. She emphasized that it will improve access to treatment in the criminal justice system.  She discussed the amendments and answered questions about the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, harm reduction, and record sealing.  

Lisa Raville, representing the Harm Reduction Action Center, spoke in support of the bill. She stated that many communities are ready for partnerships between harm reduction and law enforcement. 

Meghan Dollar, representing the Colorado Municipal League, spoke in support of the bill.  She stressed the importance of getting people into treatment instead of the criminal justice system.

Alli Daley, representing Colorado Counties Incorporated, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the importance of providing treatment to people in jail.

Jamie Feld, representing the Colorado Consortium, spoke in favor of the bill as amended.  She discussed her involvement with the interim committee and the importance of the bill.

JK Costello, representing the Steadman Group, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the safety hazards law enforcement officers face when dealing with people withdrawing.  He told the committee about plans to visit jails across Colorado this summer to provide technical assistance for addiction treatment. 

Deena Brosi, representing the Public Health Policy Center, spoke in support of the bill. She discussed the growing body of evidence that links involvement with the criminal justice system to substance abuse disorders.

Mitchell Gomez, representing DanceSafe, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed his work promoting health and safety within the nightlife and electronic music community.

Cheryl Wilson, representing herself, spoke in favor of the bill.  She shared a personal experience involving her daughter and opioid abuse. 

Tim Lopez, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill.  He discussed how treatment diversion will assist with jail overcrowding.

Senators Pettersen and Priola recapped the amendments and made closing remarks.