S_JUD_2020A 05/26/2020 10:42:56 AM Committee Summary

Senator Lee made opening remarks.  He outlined limitations on time and resources in the face of COVID-19 and discussed reasons why bills may not make it through the legislative process despite their importance.  

Senator Fenberg, sponsor, explained House Bill 20-1196, concerning updates to the laws governing mobile home parks.  He discussed the merits of the bill and the importance of affordable house. 

Senator Lee, co-prime sponsor, explained the importance of housing and mobile home parks especially during a public health crisis.  

A letter of support from the League of Women Voters was submitted for the record (Attachment A). 

Senator Lee, sponsor, explained Senate Bill 20-191, concerning the creation of a class 2 felony offense when the death of a person is caused by a participant without deliberation in the course of the commission of specified felony offenses.  He noted the importance of the bill but asked that the bill be laid over until August 1, 2020,  due to fiscal and time constraints. 

Senator Lee explained Senate Bill 20-187, concerning the therapeutic group treatment pilot program in the Division of Youth Services.  Senator Lee briefly cited funding concerns and requested that the bill be indefinitely postponed.

Senator Lee, sponsor, explained House Bill 20-1102, concerning procedures to protect the defendant when jailhouse witnesses are used in a criminal case, and in connection therewith, making an appropriation.  He asked that the bill be postponed indefinitely in light of the current circumstances.  

Senator Gonzales, sponsor, explained House Bill 20-1267 concerning transparency of penal telecommunications service providers in jails, and in connection therewith, making an appropriation.  She acknowledged the high costs of telecommunications in jails but noted the unusual circumstances and asked that the bill be indefinitely postponed.    

Senator Gonzales explained Senate Bill 20-179 concerning required data collection by district attorneys related to defendants that is available to the public.  She spoke on behalf of Senator Foote, bill sponsor, and asked that it be indefinitely postponed. 

Senator Gonzales, sponsor, explained Senate Bill 20-180 concerning services for persons with dyslexia in the criminal justice system.  She explained that many individuals involved in the criminal justice have learning disabilities but acknowledged the fiscal note and financial constraints.

Senator Rodriguez, sponsor, explained Senate Bill 20-192, concerning additional protections for employees of a staffing agency who are referred to work-site employers for employment.  He requested that the bill not go forward this legislative session.

Senator Gonzales explained House Bill 20-1088,  concerning the certification process for the purpose of application for U nonimmigrant status.  She spoke on behalf of Senator Danielson, bill sponsor, who was not present at the hearing. 

Senator Gardner explained House Bill 20-1120, concerning enhancing the enforcement of crimes of sexual exploitation of a child, and, in connection therewith making an appropriation.  He discussed unlawful images of children on the internet and the need for this bill.  

Senator Lee noted written public testimony submitted by the Colorado District Attorneys' Council in support of the bill (Attachment B).  

Senator Gonzales explained House Bill 20-1130, concerning the online availability of opinions issued by Colorado courts.  She spoke on behalf of the bill sponsors, Senators Bridges and Hisey, and asked that the bill be indefinitely postponed. 

Senator Gonzales explained House Bill 20-1147, concerning allowing children reasonable independence to engage in activities without finding that the child is abused or neglected.  She spoke on behalf of the bill sponsors, Senators Smallwood and Moreno, and asked that the bill be indefinitely postponed. 

Senator Gonzales explained House Bill 20-1234, concerning peace officer status for certain employees of the Department of Revenue.  She spoke on behalf of the bill sponsor, Senator Fields, and asked that the bill be indefinitely postponed.  

Senator Rodriguez, sponsor, explained House Bill 20-1242, concerning the issuance of a professional license to a person who is legally authorized to work in the United States.  He noted the importance of the bill but asked that it be indefinitely postponed.  

Senator Gardner, sponsor, explained House Bill 20-1291, concerning the "Uniform Collaborative Law Act".  He spoke in support of the bill and explained that the bill has no fiscal note, as well as makes positive, restorative justice changes to collaborative law.  

Senator Tate, sponsor, explained House Bill 20-1307, concerning banning the use of panic defense unless a party can show its relevance to the court.  He discussed the stakeholder process, the proceedings in the House, and the bipartisan support for the bill.  

Senator Lee noted written public testimony that was submitted in support of the bill (Attachment C).  

Senators Tate and Rodriguez, co-prime sponsors, explained Senate Bill 20-141, concerning the administration of the Regional Transportation District (RTD).  They acknowledged the difficulties RTD is facing, but asked that the bill be indefinitely postponed. 

Senator Lee noted the confirmation packet for Elizabeth Martinez that was distributed prior to the hearing.