s_sa_2017a_2017-05-03t13:38:55z9 Hearing Summary

Date: 05/03/2017

Location: SCR 357

08:01 PM -- HB17-1329



Senator Kagan and Senator Coram, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 17-1329 to the committee. This bill, as amended by the House Judiciary Committee, changes statutes governing the Division of Youth Corrections (DYC) within the Department of Human Services (DHS). It changes the name of DYC to the "Division of Youth Services" and redefines DYC's purpose. It requires DYC, on or before January 1, 2018, to begin working actively to implement a pilot program to aid in the creation of a division-wide therapeutic and rehabilitative culture. The pilot repeals July 1, 2021. Additionally, DYC must contract with an independent third party to conduct a performance assessment that evaluates safety in all facilities of the division by December 1, 2017. The assessment must review the division's safety protocols and procedures and use of restraints and seclusion and make comparisons with best practices and outcomes. The third party must complete a report on the assessment, including recommendations, by May 1, 2018, for submission to the General Assembly. The bill also creates community boards to promote transparency and community involvement, opportunities for youths to build positive adult relationships, and youth involvement in the community. Finally, it creates audit and reporting requirements for DYC.



Senator Kagan presented amendment L.008 (Attachment L).



17SenateState0503AttachL.pdf



Committee members received handouts in support of the bill (Attachments M and N).



17SenateState0503AttachM.pdf 17SenateState0503AttachN.pdf