Location: SCR 352
Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB17-120
SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
BILL SUMMARY for SB17-120
SENATE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
| Votes: View--> | Action Taken: |
| Adopt amendment L.001 (Attachment D). The motion p Refer Senate Bill 17-120, as amended, to the Commi |
Pass Without Objection PASS |
02:59 PM -- SB17-120
Senator Gardner, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 17-120, concerning the requirement of United States citizenship to be a peace officer in Colorado. He distributed to the committee a news article (Attachment B), a copy of current Colorado statute concerning peace officers (Attachment C), and amendment L.001 (Attachment D). Senator Gardner discussed his reasons for bringing the bill, and provided background on legal issues surrounding citizenship requirements for employment. He further discussed provisions of the bill, and explained amendment L.001 and other possible amendments.
03:12 PM
Senator Gardner responded to a question from Senator Kagan concerning the grace period allowed under the bill. He also responded to a comment concerning the oaths taken by those who are not United States citizens. Senator Kagan stated his concerns with the bill; Senator Gardner responded.
03:25 PM
Senator Fields stated her concerns regarding the bill; Senator Gardner responded.
03:33 PM
Discussion continued on the subject of requiring citizenship for employment in various positions.
03:41 PM -- Ms. Peg Ackerman, representing the County Sheriffs of Colorado (CSOC), testified in opposition to the bill. She stated that some employees of sheriff's offices are not citizens and the bill does not allow enough time to obtain citizenship. She also stated concerns about the costs, and that the bill would make the employee candidate pool smaller. Finally, she stated that the bill would have a negative impact on the personal lives of employees. She suggested alternative legislation that would be prospective.
Senator Gardner responded to committee questions concerning the grace period and grandfather provisions in the bill. Ms. Ackerman responded to a question concerning the CSOC's position on potential amendments.
03:47 PM -- Chief Michael Phibbs, representing the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, testified in opposition to the bill. Chief Phibbs discussed concerns raised over employee loyalties, and discussed hiring practices of law enforcement agencies. He responded to a question concerning the qualifications of noncitizen employees; Senator Gardner commented as well.
03:52 PM
Senator Gardner provided closing remarks on the bill.
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| BILL: | SB17-120 | |
| TIME: | 03:55:10 PM | |
| MOVED: | Gardner | |
| MOTION: | Adopt amendment L.001 (Attachment D). The motion passed without objection. | |
| SECONDED: | |
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VOTE |
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Coram |
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Fields |
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Kagan |
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Cooke |
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Gardner |
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YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection
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| BILL: | SB17-120 | |
| TIME: | 03:55:33 PM | |
| MOVED: | Gardner | |
| MOTION: | Refer Senate Bill 17-120, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole. The motion passed on a vote of 3-2. | |
| SECONDED: | |
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VOTE |
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Coram |
Yes |
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Fields |
No |
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Kagan |
No |
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Cooke |
Yes |
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Gardner |
Yes |
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Final YES: 3 NO: 2 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS
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03:55 PM
The committee adjourned.