F4AF20A3F5E09E46872589960071EDDA Hearing Summary

Senators Gardner and Moreno, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 23-1205, concerning the creation of the Office of the Judicial Discipline Ombudsman, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation. 

Committee members asked questions about the office and who it will serve and in what capacity.   Committee discussion ensued about where the office would be housed. 

Melissa Thompson, representing Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked questions about the ombudsman's scope. 

Ms. Emma Garrison, representing Colorado Women’s Bar Association (CWBA), testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Ariana Busby, representing Colorado Women’s Bar Association (CWBA), testified in support of the bill.

Committee members discussed if the proposed ombudsman would cover both internal and external complaints.  They continued the discussion about the relationship of the proposed ombudsman to the Commission on Judicial Discipline. 

Hon. David Prince, representing Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members engaged in a discussion with the witness about the independence and scope of the of the proposed ombudsman office. 

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

Melanie Jordan, representing Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel, testified in support of the bill.

Elizabeth Newman, representing Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Committee members asked questions about the Child Protection Ombudsman. 

Justice Marquez, representing the Judicial Department, testified in an amend position.

Committee members engaged in a discussion with the witness about the proposed ombudsman office, including who it intends to serve, the scope, and nature of the misconduct. 

The bill was laid over to work on amendments. 

Written testimony concerning HCR23-1001, HB23-1019, and HB 23-1205 may be found in Attachment B.