H_JUD_2021A 03/10/2021 01:32:10 PM Committee Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Weissman provided opening remarks. Representative Sandridge, prime sponsor, presented HB 21-1078, concerning minimum monetary conditions for a bond for violation of a protection order. Representative Sandridge explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Sandridge explained why he would be requesting that the bill be postponed indefinitely.

Discussion ensued regarding the issues surrounding HB 21-1078.

Representatives Tipper and Carver, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 21-1136, concerning modifications to the policies governing judicial division retirees returning to temporary judicial duties. Representative Tipper explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Carver provided additional input on the merits of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the fiscal impact of the bill.

The following persons testified regarding HB 21-1136:

Terry Scanlon, representing the Judicial Department, provided background on the bill and its need.

Steve Vasconcellos, representing the Judicial Department, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Vasconcellos discussed the number of retired judges that might be impacted by the bill, and the potential for the bill to incentivize judges nearing retirement to retire as a result of the bill. Mr. Vasconcellos responded to further questions about the impact of the pandemic on court needs, and the number of judges currently participating in the Senior Judge Program. Discussion ensued regarding the program's reimbursement range, and how new retired judges coming into the program will be utilized. Discussion returned to pandemic-related concerns in the court system, including space and other logistics. Discussion followed regarding the impact of bringing retirement judges back into service on the Public Employee Retirement Association program.

No amendments were offered to HB 21-1136.