S_JUD_2023A 03/20/2023 01:35:14 PM Committee Summary

Senators Exum and Gardner presented House Bill 23-1157, concerning the "Uniform Unregulated Child Custody Transfer Act".   They explained that families sometimes transfer custody of a child to another person outside the courts and the child welfare system.  This may go unnoticed within the child welfare system and places vulnerable children at risk of harm. 

Claire Levy, representing Uniform Laws Commission and Boulder County, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her work with the Uniform Law Commission.

Libby Snyder, representing Uniform Law Commission, testified in support of the bill. She stressed the importance of a uniform framework

Korey Elger, representing Colorado Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed unregulated transfers of children.

Katie Smith, representing Human Services Section of the Denver City Attorney's Office, testified in support of the bill. 

Letters of support from the United States Department of State and Raise the Future are in Attachment A. 

The bill sponsors made closing remarks.

Senators Rodriguez and Gardner presented House Bill 23-1151, concerning clarifications to the requirements that the court conduct a bond hearing within forty-eight hours after an individual is placed in jail.  They explained that House Bill 21-1280 mandated bond hearings within 48 hours of arrest, and this bill confirms legislative intent, clarifies requirements, and ensures consistency. 

Rebecca Wallace, representing Colorado Freedom Fund, testified in support of the bill. She discussed constitutional due process and statewide compliance and consistency.  She distributed a handout (Attachment B). 

Mx. Dana Steiner, representing Colorado Freedom Fund, appeared before the committee to answer questions. 

Senator Rodriquez distributed and explained Amendment L.006, which clarifies provisions about defendants appearing before a judge (Attachment C). 

Senator Gardner  presented and explained Amendment L.007 which changes the effective date of the bill (Attachment D). 

The bill sponsors made closing comments.  .