S_JUD_2021A 05/19/2021 02:48:56 PM Committee Summary

Senators Winter and Smallwood, co-prime sponsors,  explained House Bill 21-1228, concerning oversight of court personnel who are regularly involved in cases related to domestic matters, and in connection therewith, making an appropriation.   They discussed domestic violence evaluators, custody, and the court system. 

Mrs. Beth Goldman, representing Moms Fight back, testified in support of the bill.

Christine McGinley, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members discussed differences between abuse allegations and parental disagreements.  Discussion followed about trauma, abuse, and domestic violence. 

Heidi Ganahl, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Maralee Mclean, representing Moms Fight Back, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs. Alice Bohn, representing CHILD USA, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked questions about nationwide standards and protocols regarding custody and domestic violence. 

Dr. Shannon Tyson, representing Moms Fight Back, testified in support of the bill.

Rebecca Zimmerman, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Andrea Fuller, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Danielle Pollack, representing The National Family Violence Law Center at GW, testified in support of the bill.

Lydia Waligorski, representing Violence Free Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Written testimony about the bill can be read in Attachment A.

Senators Winter and Smallwood made closing remarks.

Senators Gardner and Gonzales, co-prime sponsors, explained Senate Bill 21-271, concerning the adoption of the 2021 recommendations of the Colorado criminal and juvenile justice commission (CCJJ) regarding sentencing for offenses.  They distributed a handout from the CCJJ (Atttachment A). 

Executive Director Stan Hilkey, representing Colorado Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the stakeholder process.

Rick Kornfeld, representing CCJJ/Private Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill.

Michael Dougherty, representing CCJJ, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the structure of the sentencing reform working group and the process in which they reviewed and reevaluated misdemeanor offenses.  He provided examples of some of the changes made. 

Jessica Jones, representing CCJJ, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Philip Cherner, representing Sam Cary Bar, testified in support of the bill.

Edward Hill, representing self, testified to amend the bill. He discussed driving while ability impaired or DWAI. 

Mr Ed Wood, representing DUID Victim Voices, testified to amend the bill.

Written testimony submitted about the bill can be found in Attachment C. 

Senator Gardner distributed and explained  Amendment L.001 (Attachment D) for technical clean-ups. 

Senator Gardner distributed explained Amendment L.003 (Attachment E) regarding vehicular homicide.

Senator Gardner distributed and explained Amendment L. 004 (Attachment F) regarding the sex offender registry.

Senators Gardner and Gonzales made closing remarks.