7CC879588C85E43A8725895E00746CB8 Hearing Summary

Representative Lindsay and Jodeh, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 23-1186, concerning remote participation in a residential eviction filed in county court. Representative Lindsay explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Jodeh provided additional input on the merits of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding eviction trials to be conducted by jury, and the ability of a sitting judge to require eviction proceeding participants to appear in person.

Terry Scanlon, representing Colorado Courts, testified to on HB 23-1186 from an "amend" position.

Erin Goff, representing the Colorado Apartment Association, testified on the bill from a neutral position. Mr. Scanlon responded to questions regarding the ability to participate in court proceedings by phone under current law, and the definition of "indigent" under the bill. Mr. Scanlon responded to further questions regarding his department's position on specific portions of the bill, and court policies surrounding virtual proceedings. Mr. Scanlon responded to questions regarding the establishment of initial proceedings ground rules for specific cases, and his department's desired amendments for HB 23-1186.

Jack Regenbogen, representing Colorado Poverty Law Project, testified in support of the bill.

Kinsey Hasstedt, representing Enterprise Community Partners, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Hunter Nelson, representing Colorado Children's Campaign, testified in support of the bill.

Lauren Cecil, representing Colorado Association of REALTORS, testified in a neutral position on the bill. Ms. Hasstedt and Ms. Nelson responded to questions regarding the statistics they cited. Discussion ensued regarding a court's responsibilities in the area of ensuring technology facilitates a full and thorough eviction hearing, and the court's discretion with respect to remote participation under the bill. The discussion included the use of telephone for remote participation in eviction proceedings.

Summer Laws, representing Boulder County and Counties and Commissioners Acting Together, testified in support of the bill.

Elisa Overall, representing the Colorado Access to Justice Commission, testified in support of HB 23-1186.

Ms. Dawn Howard, representing Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. MJ Coleman Jackson, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Michael Neil, representing Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding transportation issues associated with accessing a courtroom for an eviction hearing, and the percentage of the population that has a handicap that might hinder transportation.

Representative Lindsay explained the effect of L.001 (Attachment C).

Representatives Lindsay and Jodeh provided closing remarks in support of HB 23-1186. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.