H_JUD_2019A 04/30/2019 02:24:22 PM Committee Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Saine, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 19-1334, concerning a prohibition on disseminating an image of a minor committing suicide.  Representative Saine responded to questions regarding the types of media covered by the bill. Committee members received amendment L.009 (Attachment A).

The following persons testified regarding HB 19-1334:

Ms. Jessie Templeman, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She recounted the loss of her brother.

Ms. Aariella Decker, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She recounted the loss of her brother.

Reverend Lynette Ballew, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Cressa Martinez, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. The sponsor screened a video. Discussion ensued regarding the community's response to the loss of the child, and the scope of the problem addressed by the bill. Committee members received a letter supporting the bill from the district attorney of the Nineteenth Judicial District (Attachment B). Discussion returned to the community's response to the event, and the dissemination of media related to the event.

Ms. Lauren Snyder, representing Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill. She discussed trends in youth suicide, and the impact of media on these trends. She suggested an amendment.

Ms. Tristan Gorman, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified on the bill from a neutral position if amendment L.009 is passed. Discussion ensued regarding the penalties associated with current state laws that outlaw the dissemination of certain materials. Representative Saine responded to questions regarding the scope of HB 19-1334. Ms. Gorman responded to questions regarding enforcement of the bill's provisions. Discussion followed regarding the effect of amendment L.009. Ms. Gorman responded to questions regarding the conduct that is sanctioned by the bill, and the punishments contained in the bill. Representative Weissman discussed some potential amendments to the bill. The chair laid over HB 19-1334 until later in the day.

Representatives Herod and Wilson, prime sponsors, presented SB 19-259, concerning measures to address prison population management issues, and, in connection therewith, authorizing emergency use of the Centennial South capus of the Centennial Correctional Facility to house inmates.  Representative Herod explained the effect of the bill. Representative Wilson discussed the need for the legislation. Discussion ensued regarding the features of the Centennial South campus, and the number of beds in the facility to be opened up by the bill. Representative Herod responded to questions regarding mandates in the bill, and how Centennial South might be used under the bill. Discussion ensued on this point.

Mr. Aaron Greco, Department of Corrections, made himself available to answer questions. Ms. Christie Donner, representing the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, testified on the bill from a neutral position. She expressed support for a forthcoming amendment. Ms. Donner responded to questions about parole options. Mr. Greco responded to questions regarding how Centennial South might be used. Discussion ensued on this point.

The committee considered amendments L.002 (Attachment C) and L.003 (Attachment D).

Mr. Vance Roper, Joint Budget Committee Staff, provided input on amendments L.002 and L.003.

Representatives Herod and Wilson provided closing remarks in support of SB 19-259. The committee discussed the merits of the legislation.

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order, revisiting House Bill 19-1334.  The committee considered amendments L.011 (Attachment E) and L.002 (Attachment F).

Representative Saine provided closing remarks in support of HB 19-1334. The committee considered the merits of the legislation.