I_JailStandards_2023A 09/08/2023 10:01:20 AM Committee Summary

PUBLIC
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING
INTERIM COMMITTEE LEGISLATIVE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE CONCERNING COLORADO JAIL STANDARDS

Date

09/08/2023

Time

10:01:20 AM to 11:01:05 AM

Place

HCR 0112

This Meeting was called to order by

Amabile

This Report was prepared by

Elizabeth Burger

Hearing Items	Action Taken
hUpdate on the Activities of the Jail Standards Commission	Committee Discussion Only
hDiscussion on Potential Draft Legislation	Committee Discussion Only
hPublic Testimony	Committee Discussion Only

Update on the Activities of the Jail Standards Commission - Committee Discussion Only


	10:15:32 AM	Meghan Baker, chair of the Colorado Jail Standards Commission, and Jack Johnson, representing Disability Law Colorado, provided an update on the work of the commission. Ms. Baker spoke about the process of drafting and revising the jail standards and other information that might be included with the standards as part of the final report.
	10:22:48 AM	Ms. Baker responded to questions from the committee about the process of drafting and approving the standards. She indicated that most of the standards were adopted by a wide majority.
	10:25:40 AM	Mr. Johnson discussed a potential draft bill for the committee to consider. He spoke about the process of working with stakeholders to address concerns and decide what should be included in the bill. Additionally, he listed the various provisions he is hoping to see included in the draft bill.
	10:31:18 AM	Mr. Johnson responded to questions from the committee about the evaluation of jails' compliance with the standards by the County Sheriffs of Colorado. The committee discussed confidentiality related to violations of the jail standards.
	10:38:02 AM	Chair Amabile explained her involvement in developing the ideas for the bill draft.


	10:40:26 AM	Elizabeth Burger, Legislative Council Staff, explained the process by which members of the oversight committee may request bill drafts at the October 13 meeting of the committee.


	10:43:19 AM	James Karbach, representing the Office of the Public Defender, spoke about compliance challenges and a potential variance process for jails of different sizes. He discussed the problem of enforcement of the standards and responded to questions from the committee.
	10:50:38 AM	The committee discussed enforcement at length. Mr. Johnson returned to the table to discuss the idea of an ombudsman who could address individual complaints about violations of the standards.

11:01:05 AM

The committee adjourned.