S_JUD_2023A 05/04/2023 09:02:30 PM Committee Summary

Senator Cuttter, co-prime sponsor on House Bill 23-1258, concerning a drug crime task force, recapped the hearing on the bill from May 1, 2023.  She explained that the bill is now before the commitee as a for action only item. 

Senator Roberts distributed and explained Amendment L.009, which exempts certain drug felonies from the study, as well as specificies it include financial impacts (Attachment A). 

 

 

Senators Zenzinger and Smallwood, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 23-1135, concerning the offense classification for indecent exposure in view of a minor, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.  The bill sponsors explained why they believe it necessary to increase penalties for this crime. 

Committee members asked questions about related data and behavioral health needs of those who expose themselves to minors.

 

 

Mr. Michael Dougherty, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Jessica Dotter, representing Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked question about how the bill will ensure safety.  Further questions were raised about how other states classify this crime.  Committee discussion followed about supervision standards for misdemeanor and felony crimes. 

 

 

Erika Unger, representing Bread and Roses Legal Center, testified in opposition to the bill.

Committee members asked questions about definitions in the bill. 

 

 

Ms. Laurie Kepros, representing Office of the State Public Defender, testified to amend the bill.

Mr. James Karbach, representing Colorado State Public Defender’s Office, testified to amend the bill.

Committee members asked questions about indecent exposure charging statistics and maintaining the crime as a misdemeanor.  Additional questions were asked about behavioral health needs of the perpetrator.  Committee discussion ensued about related data on the number of arrests and convictions of indecent exposure. 

 

Mrs Erin Meschke, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Elizabeth Newman, representing Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, testified in support of the bill.

Diana Goldberg, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

The bill sponsors made closing remarks.