h_jud_2017a_2017-03-14t10:21:58z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/14/2017

Location: HCR 0112

01:36 PM -- SB17-125



The committee returned to order. Representative Pabon, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 17-125, concerning allowing certain persons who have been exonerated of crimes to receive in lump-sum payments compensation that is owed to them by the state. Representative Pabon provided background on the creation of the legislation, and explained the effect of the bill. Representative Pabon responded to questions regarding the conditions surrounding the lump sum that would be paid to the qualifying individual under the bill, and what constitutes special legislation. The following persons testified regarding SB 17-125:



01:43 PM -- Mr. David Blake, representing the Attorney General's Office, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Blake explained how the qualifying individual was discovered to be wrongfully convicted, and discussed some obstacles facing the individual in his attempts to conduct normal financial affairs. Discussion returned to the conditions surrounding receiving a lump-sum payment under the bill, and the process by which the qualifying individual's innocence was identified.





01:54 PM



Mr. Blake responded to questions regarding the potential for the benefits accruing under the bill to be received by the family of the exonerated person, and how the lump-sum to be granted under the bill is determined.



01:59 PM -- Mr. and Mrs. Robert Dewey, representing themselves, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Dewey explained some difficulties he has faced since his exoneration. Mr. and Mrs. Dewey provided background on their situation.





02:09 PM



Discussion continued regarding the Deweys' circumstances. Discussion followed regarding assistance programs established for parolees by the Department of Corrections.





02:14 PM



No amendments were offered to SB 17-125. Representative Pabon provided closing remarks in support of the bill.