h_jud_2017a_2017-03-09t13:33:43z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/09/2017

Location: HCR 0112

01:34 PM -- SB17-024



The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Young, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 17-024, concerning the hearsay exception for persons with an intellectual and developmental disability when a defendant is charged with a crime against an at-risk person. Representative Young explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. The following persons testified regarding SB 17-024:



01:36 PM -- Ms. Maggie Conboy and Ms. Jane Walsh, representing the Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in support of the bill. Committee members received a fact sheet supporting the bill, prepared by the Colorado District Attorneys' Council (Attachment A). Ms. Conboy discussed a case she prosecuted involving a victim with developmental disabilities, and explained how the hearsay exception is useful in such cases. Ms. Walsh responded to questions regarding the crimes covered by the current hearsay exception, and the crimes affected by the bill. She also discussed the utility of the hearsay exception.



17HouseJud0309AttachA.pdf



01:42 PM -- Ms. Darla Stuart, representing the Arc of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Stuart cited statistics about the rate of victimization of the intellectually and developmentally disabled community, and discussed the benefits of expanding the hearsay exception.





01:45 PM



No amendments were offered to SB 17-024.





01:47 PM



The committee recessed.





01:49 PM



The committee returned to order.

01:51 PM



The committee recessed.