157EA5A113C2AD148725839100787648 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representatives Herod and Melton, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 19-1025, concerning the timing of an inquiry into a job applicant's criminal history.  Representative Herod discussed the need for the legislation. Representative Melton explained the effect of the legislation. Representatives Herod and Melton responded to questions regarding a prohibition on inquiring about criminal history in applications for jobs with government entities. Discussion ensued regarding the timing of inquiries into criminal history during the job application process, and legislation offered during past legislative sessions similar to HB 19-1025. Representative Melton noted other states that have adopted legislation similar to HB 19-1025. Discussion followed regarding the merits of including a section on a job application referencing criminal history.

The following persons testified regarding HB 19-1025:

Mr. Doug Farmer, representing the Colorado Health Care Association, testified in opposition to the bill. He explained the hiring process in his industry, and discussed a potential amendment that would change his association's position on the bill. Discussion ensued regarding potentially amending the bill to address concerns.

Mr. Tony Gagliardi, representing the NFIB, testified on the bill from a neutral position. Mr. Gagliardi discussed changes made to HB 19-1025 from previous incarnations, and the need to reintegrate criminal offenders back into the workforce.

Ms. Loren Furman, representing the Colorado Chamber of Commerce, testified on the bill from a neutral position. She also discussed changes that have been made to the legislation from previous incarnations.

Mr. Nicholas Colglazier, representing the Colorado Competitive Council and the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce, testified on HB 19-1025 from a neutral position. He discussed improvements that have been made to the legislation, and potential forthcoming amendments. Discussion ensued regarding how this "ban the box" legislation has been improved over past attempts.

Mr. Jack Regenbogen, representing the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in support of HB 19-1025. Mr. Regenbogen discussed the difficulties criminal offenders have in obtaining employment due to their criminal histories, and the benefits realized when "ban the box" legislation is adopted.

Mr. Majid Mohammed, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Mohammed discussed his criminal history, and explained how criminal history inquiries on job applications have affected him.

Ms. Marpessa Allen, representing Cross Purpose, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Allen discussed the work undertaken by her organization to reintegrate offenders into the workforce, and suggested potential amendments to HB 19-1025.

Mr. Jeff Johnson, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Johnson discussed his criminal history, and the obstacles he has faced in trying to obtain employment. He explained how talking to employers may help offenders obtain employment. Mr. Johnson responded to questions regarding the prevalence of criminal history inquiries on job applications. Discussion ensued regarding how those with criminal backgrounds have broached the subject during interviews.

Ms. Tammy Bellafato, representing the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, testified in support of HB 19-1025. She discussed her criminal history, and the trouble she experienced in obtaining employment. She also discussed her career since then.

Mr. Lance Schendorf, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He discussed his criminal history, and the difficulties this presented to his gaining employment. Mr. Schendorf discussed the importance of employment to reintegrating offenders into society.

Mr. Peter Dybing, representing the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, testified in support of the bill. He discussed his career despite having a criminal record. Ms. Bellafato responded to questions regarding how her experiences have benefitted her in her career, and her efforts to gain employment with a criminal record.

Ms. Molly Bowers, representing Focus Reentry, testified in support of HB 19-1025. Ms. Bowers explained how obtaining employment helps offenders to avoid recidivism.

Mr. Michael Rollerson, representing IBEW, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Rollerson discussed difficulties he experienced in trying to obtain employment due to his criminal history, and explained how working for IBEW has improved his fortunes. Ms. Valerie Schlecht, representing the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Schlecht explained that many of those with criminal histories have disabilities.

Mr. Peter Severson, representing the Lutheran Advocacy Ministry, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Severson discussed the benefits of rehabilitation and reintegrating offenders into society.

Reverend Roland Halperin, representing the Colorado Council of Churches, testified in support of HB 19-1025. Reverend Halperin read a statement concerning the criminal justice system, and explained how the council is working toward justice.

Mr. Jonathan McMillan, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. McMillan discussed the value of second chances. Reverend Halperin responded to a question about the position of individual churches on the bill. Mr. Haven Rohnert, representing the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Rohnert discussed his difficulties in obtaining employment due to his criminal history.

Representative Herod explained the effect of amendment L.005 (Attachment F). Representative Herod responded to questions regarding certain terms in the amendment, and background checks by employers under the amendment.

Discussion ensued regarding amendment L.001 (Attachment G).

Representative Melton explained the effect of amendment L.004 (Attachment H).

Representative Herod explained the effect of amendment L.002 (Attachment I).

Representatives Melton and Herod provided closing remarks in support of HB 19-1025. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.