Senator Rodriguez, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 23-072, concerning the continuation of the defense counsel on first appearance grant program, and, in connection therewith, implementing the recommendations in the 2022 sunset report by the Department of Regulatory Agencies. 

Judge Corin Flannigan, representing Colorado Municipal Judges Association, testified in support of the bill.

Meghan MacKillop, representing Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill.

Mitchell Craddock, representing Department of Local Affairs/ Division of Local Government, was available to answer committee questions.

Committee members asked questions about grant program recipients and distribution of grant funds. 

Senator Gardner distributed and explained Amendment L. 001 about limiting grant funds to smaller communities (Attachment A). 

Committee discussion followed about the grant program's original intent..