S_JUD_2023A 02/01/2023 01:39:09 PM Committee Summary

Senator Gonzales and Representative Weissman made opening remarks.

Michelle Colin, Deputy State Auditor,  provided an overview of the audits under the purview of the Judiciary Committees. 

Kate Shiroff, Audit Manager, summarized the Disaster Emergency Fund Performance Audit and associated recommendations.  The audit and highlights may be accessed at this link:  https://leg.colorado.gov/audits/disaster-emergency-fund. 

Committee members asked questions about the length of time a disaster emergency fund stays active, in addition to other funding related inquiries. 

Committee discussion continued about disaster emergency declarations. 

Trey Standley, Audit Manager, covrered outstanding audit recommendations in the Department of Corrections, primarily in the areas of behavioral health and information technology (IT).

Chief Justice Boatright and Steve Vasconcellos, State Court Administrator, presented about the Judicial Department, including changes in courts, performance measures, budget request, legislative agenda, and other reporting requirements. 

Their presentation may be viewed here:  https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/smart_presentation-judicial_department-2023_final_0.pdf

Committee members asked questions about workplace culture and the findings from the recent outside investigative reports conducted  on the subject.

Committee discussion followed about open, virtual court hearings and broadcasting.  Committee members asked questions about associated policies. 

The presentation proceeded to cover perfomance measures in courts.  Committee members asked questions about a court survey, COVID precautions, and definitions of recidivism.  

The Judicial Department representatives next discussed staff salaries, turnover, and training.  They also brought up an ombuds office to help navigate employee complaints.  Committee discussion ensued about the Interim Committee on Judicial Discipline and their legislative recommendations about an ombuds office.  The relationship between the Judicial Department and the Commission on Judicial Discipline was also referenced.  

The Judicial Department ended their presentation with data about Extreme Risk Protection Orders.   

Dennis Jahn, representing himself, testified on the Judicial Branch.

Jessalynn Houck, representing herself, testified on the Judicial Branch. Ms. Houck responded to questions regarding investigators assigned to her parental responsibility case.

Jordan Scott, representing himself, testified on the Judicial Branch.

Executive Director Christopher Gregory and Vice-Chair of the commission David Prince presented about the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline. 

The presentation may be viewed at this link: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/ccjd_2023_smart_hrg_presentation.pdf

Committee discussion followed about the commission's relationship with the Judicial Department and administrative and IT support.   Questions were raised about the differences between the commission and a proposed ombuds office.  Members also asked about the increase in serious complaints and other reporting requirements. 

Mr. Gregory continued to present the commission's budget request. 

Jordan Scott, representing himself, testified about the Commission on Judicial Discipline.

Chris Forsyth, representing the Judicial Integrity Project, testified about the Commission on Judicial Discipline. He discussed proposed legislation from the interim committee.

Ryan Templeton, Division Director, Policy and External Affairs in the Behavioral Health Administration presented information about the Criminal Justice System Grant Program. 

The presentation may be viewed at this link:  https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/sb_22-196_joint_judiciary_-_02.01.2023.pptx__0.pdf

Mr. Templeton answered questions about peer support programs, the number of grant applicants, and pay rates for co-responders.