D78598A83C0301B4872589730076B212 Hearing Summary

Representatives Lynch and Bacon, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 23-1205, concerning the creation of the Office of The Judicial Discipline Ombudsman. Representative Lynch explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. He also discussed crafting of the bill. Representative Bacon provided additional input on the merits of the bill.

Mr. Chris Forsyth, representing The Judicial Integrity Project, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Elizabeth Espinosa Krupa, representing Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline, testified in support of the bill.

Hon. David Prince, representing Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Espinosa Krupa responded to questions regarding certain judicial misconduct issues within the Judicial Branch, such as retaliation. Judge Prince responded to questions regarding how certain disadvantaged parties might navigate Judicial Discipline Commission proceedings.

Terry Scanlon, representing the Judicial Department, testified on SB 23-1205 from an "amend" position. Ariana Busby, representing Colorado Women's Bar Association, testified on the bill from an "amend" position. Elizabeth Newman, representing Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, was available to answer committee questions, and discussed the importance of creating an ombudsman role. Mr. Scanlon responded to questions regarding potential amendments to the bill proposed by the Judicial Branch, and the independence of the ombudsman role. Mr. Scanlon responded to questions regarding the potential for creating an internal oversight role at the Judicial Branch. Discussion ensued regarding how the ombudsman might handle sensitive matters, such as complaints involving sexual assault or harassment. Mr. Scanlon discussed the Judicial Branch's vision for creating an ombudsman's office.

Melanie Jordan, representing the Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel, testified in support of the bill.

Melissa Thompson, representing Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Bacon explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment G).

Representatives Bacon and Lynch explained the effect of amendment L.002 (Attachment H).

Representatives Lynch and Bacon explained the effect of amendment L.003 (Attachment I). Discussion ensued regarding the effect of the amendment on separation of powers, and the location of the office created by HB 23-1205.

Representatives Bacon and Lynch explained the effect of amendment L.004 (Attachment J). Discussion ensued regarding a requirement in the amendment that certain members of the board created by the bill be in good standing.

Representative Lynch explained the effect of amendment L.005 (Attachment K).

Representative Bacon explained the effect of amendment L.006 (Attachment L).

Representatives Lynch and Bacon explained the effect of amendment L.007 (Attachment M). Discussion ensued regarding the merits of the amendment.

Discussion ensued regarding the merits of amendment L.008 (Attachment N).

Representatives Bacon and Lynch provided closing remarks in support of HB 23-1205. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.