s_jud_2017a_2017-05-01t13:36:40z6 Hearing Summary

Date: 05/01/2017

Location: SCR 352

03:50 PM -- HB17-1326



Senator Gardner and Senator Kagan, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 17-1326, concerning creation of the justice reinvestment crime prevention initiative, and, in connection therewith, funding the initiative through savings created by parole reforms and making and reducing an appropriation. Senator Gardner explained the bill and explained his purpose for bringing the bill. Senator Kagan discussed the effect of the bill.



03:53 PM -- Ms. Christie Donner, Executive Director, Colorado Restorative Justice Reform Coalition, testified in support of the bill. She discussed working on legislation concerning criminal justice reform and the policy issues addressed by the bill. She responded to questions concerning the authority of parole officers under the bill, and information used in crafting the bill to determine the effect on offenders.



04:00 PM -- Ms. Alexandria Wise, representing Community Enterprise Development Services, testified in support of the bill. She discussed financial issues faced by offenders, specifically addressing small business lending opportunities.



04:02 PM -- Pastor Taj Stokes, representing Thrive Colorado Springs, testified in support of the bill. He discussed situations in which offenders would benefit from the bill's provisions.



04:04 PM -- Mr. Roger Przybylski, representing RKC Group, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the effect of existing policies and the benefits of the bill.



04:07 PM -- Mr. Hassan Latif, representing Second Chance Center, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the work of Second Chance Center. Mr. Latif responded to a question concerning entrepreneurship ideas contained in the bill.



Senator Cooke called those who made themselves available for questions: Ms. Rachel Harlow Schalk, Department of Local Affairs; Ms. Christiano Sosa, Community Foundations; and Ms. Melissa Roberts, Department of Corrections. There were no questions from the committee.





04:13 PM



Senator Gardner and Senator Kagan each provided closing remarks on the bill.

04:19 PM



The committee adjourned.