s_jud_2016a_2016-03-28t13:31:35z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/28/2016

01:31 PM -- HB16-1215



Senator Roberts, chair, called the committee to order. A quorum was present. Senator Guzman, sponsor, presented House Bill 16-1215, concerning changing the statutory purposes of parole to successfully reintegrate parolees into society by providing enhanced supportive services. Senator Guzman discussed parole generally, and the effect of the bill.



01:35 PM -- Mr. Doug Wilson, State Public Defender and vice-chair of the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ), testified in support of the bill. Mr. Wilson discussed the work of the CCJJ relating to the bill, and the desired effect of the bill. He discussed the provisions of the bill.



01:38 PM -- Mr. Michael Dougherty, representing the Colorado District Attorneys' Council and the First Judicial District, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Dougherty spoke favorably of Mr. Wilson's testimony, and discussed recidivism and the fiscal impact of the bill.



01:40 PM -- Ms. Melissa Roberts, representing the Colorado Department of Corrections, testified in support of the bill. She spoke favorably of the prior two witnesses' testimony, and stated that a general policy goal is to reduce the recidivism rate. She discussed the change in recidivism and prison admissions following recent policy changes.