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H_JUD_2019A 03/28/2019 01:35:51 PM Committee Summary

PUBLIC
STAFF SUMMARY OF MEETING
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Date 03/28/2019
Attendance
Benavidez X
Bockenfeld X
Carver X
Galindo *
Gonzales-Gutierrez X
McKean X
Roberts X
Soper X
Tipper X
Herod *
Weissman X
X = Present, E = Excused, A = Absent, * = Present after roll call
Time 01:35:51 PM to 03:14:02 PM
Place HCR 0112
This Meeting was called to order by Representative Weissman
This Report was prepared by Bo Pogue
Hearing Items Action Taken
HB19-1244 Amended, referred to the Committee of the Whole
SB19-064 Referred to House Appropriations

HB19-1244 - Amended, referred to the Committee of the Whole


01:36:07 PM  

Representatives Coleman and Carver, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 19-1244, concerning the Peace Officers Mental Health Support Grant Program, and, in connection therewith, allowing certain agencies to apply for grants from the program and expanding the perimissible uses of money awarded as grants under the program.  Representative Coleman explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. He noted some organizations supporting the bill. Representative Carver provided additional input on the bill.

01:39:38 PM  

The following persons testified regarding HB 19-1244:

Sergeant Sean Harper, representing the Fraternal Order of Police, testified in support of the bill. He read a statement providing background on the Peace Officers Mental Health Support Grant Program, and explaining the need for mental health services by law enforcement.

Ms. Karen Nicholson, representing 911 for 911 and FRTC, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Nicholson discussed the services supported by the grants made under the Peace Officers Mental Health Support Grant Program.

Trooper Mike Honn, representing the Colorado State Patrol and Colorado Parks and Wildlife, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the expansion of programming under the bill. Sergeant Harper responded to questions regarding the function of the Fraternal Order of Police, and where the grant moneys made available under the bill are routed. Ms. Nicholson responded to questions regarding the types of organizations that will administer grants under the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the function of certain organizations in administering the grants. Discussion followed regarding use of the funds made available under HB 19-1244.

02:03:03 PM  

Discussion continued regarding the use of grant moneys subject to HB 19-1244.

Mr. Bill Clayton representing the Colorado Police Protective Association and Denver Police Protective Association, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Tim Lopez, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Lopez discussed the importance of mental health services to law enforcement and associated personnel.

Mr. Bruce Eisenhauer, representing the Department of Local Affairs, made himself available to answer questions on the bill. Mr. Eisenhauer responded to questions regarding the process undertaken by the department in selecting grant recipients, and the types of entities that administer and receive grants. Discussion ensued regarding the duties of law enforcement support personnel. Mr. Eisenhauer responded to questions regarding the grant application process.

02:21:22 PM  

Mr. Clayton responded to questions regarding staffing at the Denver Police Department. The committee recessed.

02:26:50 PM  

The committee returned to order. Representative Carver explained amendment L.001 (Attachment A).



02:28:51 PM
Motion Adopt amendment L.001
Moved Carver
Seconded McKean
Benavidez No
Bockenfeld Yes
Carver Yes
Galindo Yes
Gonzales-Gutierrez Excused
McKean Yes
Roberts Yes
Soper Yes
Tipper Excused
Herod Excused
Weissman Yes
YES: 7   NO: 1   EXC: 3   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS
02:29:08 PM  

The committee considered amendment L.002 (Attachment B).



02:29:27 PM
Motion Adopt amendment L.002
Moved Carver
Seconded McKean
Benavidez
Bockenfeld
Carver
Galindo
Gonzales-Gutierrez Excused
McKean
Roberts
Soper
Tipper Excused
Herod Excused
Weissman
YES: 0   NO: 0   EXC: 3   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  Pass Without Objection
02:29:28 PM  

Representatives Carver and Coleman provided closing remarks in support of HB 19-1244.  Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.



02:39:10 PM
Motion Refer House Bill 19-1244, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.
Moved Carver
Seconded McKean
Benavidez Excused
Bockenfeld Yes
Carver Yes
Galindo Yes
Gonzales-Gutierrez Excused
McKean Yes
Roberts Yes
Soper Yes
Tipper Yes
Herod Excused
Weissman Yes
Final YES: 8   NO: 0   EXC: 3   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS



SB19-064 - Referred to House Appropriations


02:39:22 PM  

The committee recessed.

02:57:38 PM  

The committee returned to order. Representative Weissman, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 19-064, concerning retention of criminal justice programs funding.  Representative Weissman explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Committee members received a summary sheet supporting the bill (Attachment C).  Representative Weissman responded to questions regarding the need for a safety clause in the bill.

03:02:53 PM  

The following persons testified regarding SB 19-064:

Ms. Christie Donner, representing the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Tim Lopez, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Lopez discussed the need for the programming facilitated by the bill.

Mr. Bruce Eisenhauer, representing the Department of Local Affairs, and Ms. Alicia Haywood, representing the Department of Public Health and Environment, responded to questions regarding the need for a safety clause on the bill. Discussion ensued on this point.

03:09:41 PM  
No amendments were offered to SB 19-064. Representative Weissman provided closing remarks in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the bill's merits.


03:13:48 PM
Motion Refer Senate Bill 19-064 to the Committee on Appropriations.
Moved Weissman
Seconded Gonzales-Gutierrez
Benavidez Excused
Bockenfeld No
Carver Yes
Galindo Excused
Gonzales-Gutierrez Yes
McKean Excused
Roberts Yes
Soper Yes
Tipper Yes
Herod Yes
Weissman Yes
Final YES: 7   NO: 1   EXC: 3   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS


03:14:02 PM   The committee adjourned.






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