H_JUD_2018A 01/25/2018 01:33:49 PM Committee Summary

Mr. Hassan Latif, representing the Second Chance Center, testified in support of the bill.  Mr. Latif discussed his experiences while on parole, and the work of the Second Chance Center in helping parolees to reintegrate into society.  Mr. Latif discussed the impact of certain aspects of parole supervision on parolees, and costs associated with extended periods of parole.

Reverend Tammy Williams, representing the NAACP and the Above the Waters Project, testified in support of HB 18-1029. Reverend Williams read a statement concerning the benefits to be realized by the passage of the bill.  Reverend Williams responded to questions regarding the costs associated with the final two years of parole under current law, and the level of services provided to her by parole officers over the term of her parole.

Mr. Tom Byrnes, representing the Eighteenth Judicial District District Attorney's Office, testified in opposition to the bill.  He objected to lowering the term of parole for class 2 felonies, and explained his reasons for doing so.  Mr. Byrnes responded to questions regarding the expectations of victims with regard to parole, and the recidivism rate for class 2 felony offenders as compared to other levels of offense. Discussion ensued on this point.  Discussion followed regarding the correlation between the level of offense and recidivism, as compared to the level of risk of reoffending.

Ms. Jean Fredlund, representing the League of Women Voters, testified in support of the bill.  Ms. Fredlund explained that parole periods should be based on the individual, and discussed the incentives for offenders of lowering the parole period.

Reverend Patrick Demmer, representing the Graham Memorial Church of God in Christ, testified in support of HB 18-1029.  Reverend Demmer discussed the impact of parole on minority communities, and costs associated with lengthy parole periods.  He discussed recidivism during the first three years of parole as compared to recidivism during additional years of parole.

Mr. Tristan Gorman, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill.  Mr. Gorman discussed evidence that supports reducing parole for class 2 and 3 felonies, and addressed issues raised during earlier testimony.  Discussion returned to the potential for making the parole period "stair step" from four years of parole to three between class 2 and class 3 felonies.  Discussion followed regarding the position of victims groups on HB 18-1029.

Representative Wist explained the effect of Amendment L.002 (Attachment B).  The committee discussed the merits of the amendment.

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order.  Representatives Lee and Wilson, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 18-1010, concerning youth committed to the Department of Human Services, and, in connection therewith, requiring the department to report certain data and adding members to the youth restraint and seclusion working group.  The sponsors explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.  Discussion ensued regarding how recidivism rates for juvenile offenders are tracked, and differences between the House and Senate when Senate Bill 17-234 was passed.  Discussion followed regarding forthcoming amendment L.001 (Attachment C). Representative Lee responded to questions regarding demographic information captured during juvenile offender recidivism reporting by the Department of Human Services.

No one testified regarding HB 18-1010. Representative Lee explained the effect of amendment L.001. Representative Lee responded to questions regarding data collection methodologies undertaken by the Department of Human Services.

Representatives Wilson and Lee provided closing remarks in support of HB 18-1010. Representative Weissman spoke in support of the bill.