9EB87617D86A3C6487258227007B68EA Hearing Summary

The committee returned to order.  Representative Singer, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 18-1050, concerning competency to proceed for juveniles involved in the juvenile justice system.  Representative Singer explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.  Committee members received a letter in support of the bill from Dr. Richard Martinez of the Colorado Psychiatric Society (Attachment C).  Representative Singer responded to questions regarding the age threshold for determining juvenile competency.

The following persons testified regarding HB 18-1050: Dr. Patrick Fox, representing the Department of Human Services, testified on the bill from a neutral perspective.  Dr. Fox responded to questions regarding competency restoration services, and the potential for the bill to broaden incompetency findings.  Discussion ensued regarding the criteria considered in evaluating juvenile competency

Ms. Sheri Danz, representing the Office of the Child's Representative, testified in support of HB 18-1050.  Ms. Danz addressed questions raised during earlier testimony about the criteria for determining juvenile competency under the bill.  Mr. Tariq Sheikh, representing district attorneys, provided input on the criteria.

Discussion continued regarding the criteria in HB 18-1050 for determining juvenile competency.  Discussion returned to the age threshold for determining juvenile competency, and evaluating those who are over this age threshold.  Discussion ensued regarding the fiscal impact of the bill.  Mr. Chris Creighton, Legislative Council Staff, provided input on this issue.  Committee members received amendment L.001 (Attachment D).