C3F98EF214A5869B8725827B0075EA6C Hearing Summary

Representatives Gray and Wist, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 18-1398, concerning the statute of limitations for commencing a civil action in tort to recover damages for an act of domestic violence.  The sponsors explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Discussion ensued regarding what constitutes domestic violence for the purposes of the bill, and the potential for creating a toll for the domestic violence statute of limitations, rather than creating an extension. Representative Gray responded to questions regarding the need to secure a criminal conviction for domestic violence on a civil suit launched under the bill.

Ms. Pam Maas, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Maas explained how the current statute of limitations for domestic violence civil suits is a barrier to seeking relief.

Ms. Lydia Waligorski, representing the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence, testified in support of HB 18-1398. Ms. Waligorski discussed the relationship between the bill and other legislation seeking to amend statutes of limitation. Ms. Lisa Clay, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.  She recounted her experience as a victim of domestic violence, and explained that the civil statute of limitations has been exhausted in her case. Ms. Ashley Chase, representing the Colorado Women's Bar Association, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Chase provided examples of how the current statute of limitations for civil domestic violence suits inhibits the pursuit of justice. Ms. Jennifer Anderson, representing the Department of Law, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Anderson explained why the current statute of limitations is too short.

No amendments were offered to HB 18-1398. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill, and the co-sponsors provided closing remarks in support of the bill.