954926177C561B49872586A800759B83 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representatives Daugherty and Gonzales-Gutierrez, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 21-1209, concerning offenders who committed an offense when under twenty-one years of age. Representative Daugherty explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez provided additional input on the merits of the bill.

Eric Davis, representing himself, testified in support of HB 21-1209.

Ashley Hamilton, representing the University of Denver, testified in support of the bill.

Apryl Alexander, representing the University of Denver, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding certain programming conducted by the Department of Corrections that provides hope to offenders. Mr. Davis provided his perception of the Juveniles Convicted as Adults Program (JCAP).

Tim Lopez, representing himself, testified in opposition to HB 21-1209.

Geneva Pearman, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

George Brauchler, representing the Eighteenth Judicial District district attorney, testified in opposition to the bill.

T'Naus Nieto, representing himself, testified in support of HB 21-1209.

Anthony Quintana, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Ashley Ratliff, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Quintana responded to questions regarding the crime that resulted in his son's incarceration, and the subsequent sentencing.

Ray Harlan, representing Colorado Victims for Justice, testified in opposition to HB 21-1209.

Cynthia Gellston-Graham, representing Colorado Victims for Justice, testified in opposition to the bill.

Victoria McGrath, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Vida Stallter, representing herself, testified in support of HB 21-1209.

Andrew Salas, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Sharletta Evans, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mary Beth Smollon, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

The sponsors screened a video.

Vincent Rodriguez, representing himself, testified in support of HB 21-1209.

Erik Jensen, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Jasmine Ross, representing CCJRC, testified in support of the bill.

Aaron Greco, representing the Department of Corrections, testified on HB 21-1209 from a neutral position.

Catherine Pritt, representing the Department of Corrections, testified on the bill from a neutral position.

Elise Logemann, representing the ACLU, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding the number of offenders eligible for the JCAP program both under HB 21-1209, and if the bill were to not pass.

Maisha Fields, representing herself, testified in opposition to HB 21-1209.

Beth McCann, Denver District Attorney, testified in support of HB 21-1209. Ms. McCann responded to questions regarding the ability of victims and associated family members to provide input on offenders being admitted to the JCAP program and their subsequent parole potential.

Jeff Johnson, representing himself, testified in support of HB 21-1209.

Robbie Valenzuela, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Ruby Rubio, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Maureen Cain, representing the Colorado Office of the State Public Defender, testified in support of HB 21-1209.

Ms. Cain responded to questions regarding the exclusion of people convicted of certain offenses from participating in the JHAP program by the bill. Ms. Cain explained the effect of certain forthcoming amendments, and the history of certain legislation that impacts the JHAP program.

Discussion ensued regarding the effect of certain language in amendment L.001.

The bill sponsors provided closing remarks in support of HB 21-1209. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.