AB012CE7FE57F2B2872586B8007118CE Hearing Summary

Senator Lee, sponsor, explained Senate Bill 21-146, concerning measures to improve prison release outcomes.   He walked the committee through the sections of the bill and discussed special needs parole, pre-release planning, medical insurance plans, public defender liaison, and earned time. 

Senator Lee continued to discuss changes the bill make to the Youthful Offender System and bed capacity. 

Mr. Aaron Greco, representing Colorado Department of Corrections/ Governor Polis,  testified to amend the bill.  He raised concerns about earned time, providing health insurance post-incarceration, and definitions of special needs parole. Committee members asked about the stakeholder process. 

Tristan Gorman, representing Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed walk-away escapees and unauthorized absences and answered questions from the committee. 

Christie Donner, representing Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed pre-release planning and reentry challenges. 

Committee members discussed previous reiterations of this bill and enforcement provisions. 

Further discussoin ensued about previous legislative efforts, special needs parole, and prison and community-based services. 

Ms Maureen Cain, representing the Office of the State Public Defender, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed older offenders, parole eligibility dates, a public defender liaison position, and competency to proceed. 

Ms. JoyBelle Phelan, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She discussed pre-release planning.

Ms. Kelly McCullough, representing Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of the bill. She discussed continuity of care.

Ms. Katherine-Marcy Carrington, representing self, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed her elderly father's incarceration. 

Terri Hurst, representing Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, testified in support of the bill. She discussed Medicare and Medicaid. 

Matthew Server, representing Colorado Catholic Conference, testified in support of the bill.

Written testimony is in Attachment D.

Senator Lee explained Amendment L.001 (Attachment E). 

Senator Lee asked the bill to be laid over to work on the amendments.  The Chair laid the bill over until further notice.