FD7F223342132A3E8725869600021BA5 Hearing Summary

Senator Buckner, bill sponsor, explained Senate Bill 21-071, concerning measures to limit the detention of juveniles.  She detailed how the bill removes the option of money bail for youth and reduces the bed cap for juveniles in detention. 

Mr. Arnold Hanuman, representing Colorado District Attorneys Council (CDAC), testified from a neutral position if amended.  He discussed bed caps and juvenile crime.

Kristine Rolfes, representing 18th Judicial District Attorney's Office, testified in opposition to the bill. She expressed concerns about public safety and bed space.

Committee discussion followed about screening tools. 

Ms. Courtney Johnston, representing Denver District Attorney's Office, testified to amend the bill.  She expressed concerns that it goes too far in reducing detention beds. 

Committee discussion ensued about bed count, accessing beds from other jurisdictions, and emergency releases from detention.  

Elise Logemann, representing ACLU-CO, testified in support of the bill.  She distributed a fact sheet (Attachment J) and discussed bed capacity and crime rate.  She answered questions about screening tools. 

Mr. Elie Zwiebel, representing Colorado Juvenile Defender Center, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed how detention is disruptive to education. 

Ms. Jeni Stinson, representing Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed bed caps and overrepresentation of kids of color. 

Dr. Apryl Alexander, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She discussed brain development and over-representation of youth of color.

Ms. Sara Strufing, representing Colorado State Public Defenders Office, testified in support of the bill.

Sheri Danz, representing Office of the Child's Representative, testified in support of the bill.

Meghan Baker, representing Disability Law Colorado , testified in support of the bill.  She discussed the over-representation of youth with disabilitie in the juvenile justice system.

Emma Mclean-Riggs, representing ACLU-CO, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed recidivism rates. 

Mr. Philip Cherner, representing Sam Cary Bar Association, testified in support of the bill. He discussed unneeded disproportionate detention.

The Chair acknowledged written testimony submitted on the bill (Attachment K).

Senator Buckner explained Amendment L. 001 (Attachment L), referenced earlier in the hearing. 

Committee members asked questions about the Alternatives to Detention Working Group, as created in the amendment. 

Senator Buckner distributed and discussed Amendment L. 002 (Attachment M) regarding juvenile detention bed capacity. 

Senator Buckner distributed and discussed Amendment  L.003 (Attachment N) regarding accessing juvenile detention beds in other jurisdictions.

Senator Buckner distributed and explained Amendment L.004 (Attachment O) regarding speedy trials.

Senator Buckner made closing remarks.