4FB12C2DA6BAF8FE87258AD9000168B0 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representatives Joseph and Vigil, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 24-1289, concerning the establishment of workload standards by the Office of the State Public Defender to prevent excessive workloads for deputy public defenders. Representative Joseph explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Vigil provided further input on the bill. Discussion ensued regarding amendment L.001 (Attachment D).  Public comment on HB 24-1289 may be found at Attachment E.

Ms. Kiyomi Bolick, representing Defenders Union of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Stephen Hanlon, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Hunter Parnell, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. James Hardy, representing Defenders Union of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding the ability of lawyers to withdraw from defense cases, and creation of workload standards. Discussion followed regarding workload standards in other states, and funding sources for public defense. Discussion turned to retention levels for public defenders.

Ms. Megan Ring, representing Office of the State Public Defender, testified to amend the bill.

Mr. David Kaplan, representing Colorado State Public defender, testified to amend the bill.

Greg Greer, representing himself, testified to amend the bill.

Ms. Lucienne Ohanian, representing Colorado Public Defender, testified to amend the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding the next step in the process after workload studies have been conducted, and the adequacy of representation provided by public defenders. Discussion followed regarding the level at which the Office of State Public Defender is underfunded. Discussion returned to employee retention in the office.

Montana Fay, representing the Office of State Public Defender, testified on HB 24-1289.

Ms. Margaret Farrell, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Emma Mclean-Riggs, representing American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ruth Swift, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Steve Colvin, representing Public Defenders, testified to amend the bill. Ms. Joyce Akhahenda, representing Office of the State Public Defender, testified to amend the bill. Ms. Jamie Keairns, representing Colorado State Public Defender, testified to amend the bill. Mr. Ara Ohanian, representing Office of the State Public Defender, testified to amend the bill. James Karbach, representing the Office of State Public Defender, testified on the bill, clarifying the office's position on the the bill if it is amended. Mr. Karbach clarified the office's position on HB 24-1289 as amended, and responded to questions regarding factors to be considered in creating workload standards.

Representative Joseph reiterated the effect of amendment L.001.

Representative Vigil explained the effect of amendments L.007 (Attachment F), L.008 (Attachment G), L.009 (Attachment H), and L.010 (Attachment I).

Representatives Vigil and Joseph provided closing remarks in support of HB 24-1289. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.