7324CDA28E48FC85872589710075D086 Hearing Summary

Senator Gonzales, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 23-1037, concerning awarding earned time to nonviolent offenders who complete an accredited higher education program.   She discussed education and recidivism rates. 

Senator Gonzales distributed and explained Amendments L.006 and L.007 (Attachments A and B).  Amendment L.006 directs program savings to higher education, and L. 007 limits the program to six higher education institutions.

Committee members asked questions about the bill and amendments. 

Matthew Server, representing Colorado Catholic Conference, testified in support of the bill. He discussed education as an effective recidivism reduction tool. 

Christie Donner, representing CCJRC, testified in support of the bill.

Jim Bullington, representing Adams State University, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Lauren Reed, representing Adams State University Prison Education Program, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked questions about limiting the program to six higher education institutions. 

Mr. Charles Holt, representing Center for Employment Opportunities, testified in support of the bill.

Chris Zoukis, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Gonzales recapped Amendments L.006 and L.007 (Attachments A and B).

The committee discussed a conceptual amendment to change a date in Amendment L.007 from September 31, 2023, to September 30, 2023.

 

 

Senator Gonzales made closing remarks.

Committee members made closing remarks.