7E6255756C4580FA87258287007091F3 Hearing Summary

Representatives Benavidez and Wilson, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 18-274, concerning the implementation of recommendations from prison utilization studies, and, in connection therewith, renaming and repurposing certain correctional facilities.  Representative Benavidez explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Wilson provided additional input regarding the merits of the bill, and explained the effect of amendment L.009 (Attachment A).

Mr. Rick Raemisch, Executive Director of the Department of Corrections (DOC), testified in support of the bill. Director Raemisch discussed the repurposing of certain DOC facilities. Mr. Travis Trani, representing the DOC, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Trani explained how the facilities repurposing will help to accommodate increasing prison populations, and how the facilities will be used once repurposed. Mr. Trani responded to questions regarding the cost to build out facilities in accordance with a prison utilization study commissioned by the DOC. Mr. Trani responded to further questions regarding the status of the Prison Population Working Group

Ms. Christie Donner, representing the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, testified in opposition to SB 18-274.  Ms. Donner explained how a cycle of opening prisons in Colorado results in prisons being at capacity, and and also noted that DOC serves as a primary mental health provider. Ms. Denise Maes, representing the ACLU, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Maes provided additional input on Ms. Donner's comments.

Discussion ensued regarding the merits of amendment L.009.