5CFEC7CF5CFBD251872586A8006BAAA9 Hearing Summary

Representatives Tipper and Ricks, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 21-1194, concerning creation of the immigration legal defense fund. Representative Ricks explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Tipper provided further information regarding the effect of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding creating the bill's program in the private sector rather than through state government.

The following persons testified regarding HB 21-1194:

Sarah Plastino, representing the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, testified in support of the bill.

Valeria Contreras, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Sarah Klieforth-Williams, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Plastino responded responded to questions regarding the number of clients she represents who are charged with a crime, the number of immigration cases currently pending in Colorado, and the impact of a person having an attorney on the length of detainment. Ms. Plastino responded to further questions regarding potential federal action on providing legal counsel to those in immigrant proceedings. Discussion ensued regarding the effect of the legislation. Ms. Plastino responded to questions regarding children that undergo immigration proceedings, and the sources of funding for her organization.

Jamie Torres, representing herself, testified in support of HB 21-1194.

Tekleab Kidane, representing himself, testified in support of the bill through an interpreter.

Ms. Torres responded to questions regarding an immigrant legal defense fund created by the City and County of Denver.

Catalino Alvarado, representing himself, testified in support of HB 21-1194.

Carime Lee, representing herself, testified in support of HB 21-1194.

Carlos Lopez, representing Mountain Dreamers, read the testimony of a client in support of the bill.

Katherine Traverso, representing the Vera Institute of Justice, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Lee addressed questions raised during earlier discussion.

Janine Young, representing herself, testified in support of HB 21-1194.

Denise Maes, representing the ACLU, testified in support of the bill.

Lydia Waligorski, representing Violence Free Colorado, testified in support of HB 21-1194.

Vallerie Bustamante, representing Stand for Children, testified in support of the bill.

The bill sponsors provided closing remarks in support of HB 21-1194. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.