11AB1D635F70193D8725899D007F50C3 Hearing Summary

Senators Gardner and Fields, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 23-1182, concerning a requirement for remote public access to observe criminal court proceedings.  They discussed access to virtual proceedings and transparency in government. 

Rebecca Wallace, representing Colorado Freedom Fund, testified in support of the bill.  She distributed a handout about ensuring public access to remote court proceedings (Attachment A). 

Jack Johnson, representing Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Jeff Roberts, representing Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Tracy Harmon, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Committee discussion followed about creating consistency and guardrails for remote court proceedings.  Committee members asked questions about victims, juvenile proceedings, and court discretion in certain circumstances. 

 Mr James Karbach, representing Colorado State Public Defender, testified to amend the bill.

Committee discussion ensued about judicial directives.

Mx. Dana Steiner, representing Colorado Freedom Fund, testified in support of the bill.

Steven Zansberg, representing Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Catherine Ordonez, representing American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked questions about the bill's application in cases of juror sequestration.  Further questions were raised about related policies in other states. 

Mr. Tim Regan-Porter, representing Colorado Press Association, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Michael Neil, representing Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Justin Sasso, representing Colorado Broadcasters Association, testified in support of the bill.

Written testimony about the bill may be found in Attachment B.

Senator Gardner distributed Amendment L.009 and explained that it allows courts on its own motion to raise issues to not broadcast  in certain circumstances (Attachment C).

Senator Gardner disributed and explained Amendment L.007, which excludes juvenile proceedings (Attachment D).

Senator Gonzales distributed Amendment L.008 and explained that it removes the presumption to broadcast proceedings (Attachment E). 

Committee discussion ensued about transparency and the intent of the bill. 

The bill sponsors made closing remarks. 

Committee members made closing remarks.