965CB9A8947F469B8725877B00688B87 Hearing Summary

Representative Benavidez, chair, gave opening remarks and explained the bill draft request process.  The bill drafts can be found at this link:  http://leg.colorado.gov/content/jmicjs2021acommdocs

Lauren Krisai, representing Justice Action Network, testified in support of Bill #7 (triage centers).  She discussed triage centers in other states. 

Kyley Buress, representing Colorado Counties, Inc, testified on Bill #9 (jail standards). She raised concerns about implementation.

Tim Lane, representing Colorado District Attoneys' Council and task force member member, testified on Bill #3 (incompetent to proceed)  and #4 (not guilty by reason of insanity).  He noted that the bills were not vetted by the task force and referenced the fiscal notes. He also spoke in support of Bill #10 (housing support services).  He answered questions from the committee.

Committee discussion followed about the stakeholder process and bill origins. 

Lauren Snyder, representing Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of Bill #3 (incompentent to proceed) and Bill #4 (not guilty by reason of insanity).  She expressed concerns about Bill #6 (emergency mental health treatment and evaluation standard). 

Meghan Baker, representing Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of Bill #3 (incompentent to proceed) and Bill #4 (not guilty by reason of insanity).  She discussed the consent decree with the state about competency.  

Rebecca Wallace, representing Colorado Freedom Fund, testified in support of Bill #3 (incompetent to proceed).

Committee members asked questions about competency and bond setting.  Further questions were raised about the settlement agreement and consent decree.  

Committee members asked questions about the fiscal note on Bill #4 (not guilty by reason of insanity). 

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Committee members asked questions about pretrial diversion, triage centers, and mental health holds. 

Aaron Carpenter, Fiscal Analyst with Legislative Council Staff, answered questions about fiscal notes.