Skip to main content

PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For HB25-1214

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY
Date Mar 26, 2025       Location HCR 0107

HB25-1214 - Amended, referred to House Finance


03:06:34 PM  
The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Clifford, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 25-1214. The bill requires a court determination that incarceration is the most appropriate course of action for class 5 and 6 felonies, changes parole considerations for low-risk offenders, and amends statute around drug programming for parolees to reflect current practice. Representative Clifford explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Clifford responded to questions regarding the fiscal impact of the bill. Written testimony may be found in Attachment A.
03:18:00 PM  
Deputy Chief Reeves, representing Colorado Association of the Chiefs of Police, testified in opposition to the bill. Lori Baxley, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Laura Orozco, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Courtney Sutton, representing the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, testified in opposition to the bill. Chief Noeller, representing the Colorado Association of the Chiefs of Police - Pueblo Police Department, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Adrienne Sanchez, representing the Colorado Department of Corrections, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Sutton responded to questions regarding responded to questions regarding the low-risk presumptions in HB 25-1214, and tools used to assess this. Discussion ensued regarding the potential for the bill to result in more victims, and the effect of release date notifications on victims. Chief Noeller responded to questions regarding the potential effect of the bill on public safety
03:54:59 PM  
Christie Donner, representing Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, testified in support of the bill. Natalie Perez, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Maureen Cain, representing the public defenders, testified in support of the bill. Breeah Kinsella, representing the Colorado Providers Association, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Donner responded to questions regarding parole eligibility dates for certain crime levels, and the fiscal impact of HB 25-1214. Discussion ensued regarding risk assessment tools. Ms. Cain responded to questions regarding how courts and stakeholders approximate parole eligibility dates
04:27:09 PM  
Jena Fleiner, representing Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel, testified in support of the bill. Justyna Madenska, representing Second Act, testified in a neutral position on the bill.
04:33:15 PM  
Representative Clifford explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment B).  Representative Clifford responded to questions regarding the source of certain language in the amendment.

04:41:32 PM
Motion Adopt amendment L.001 (Attachment B)
Moved Clifford
Seconded Carter
Armagost No
Bacon Excused
Caldwell No
Clifford Yes
Espenoza Yes
Garcia Yes
Keltie No
Soper Yes
Zokaie Yes
Carter Yes
Mabrey Yes
YES: 7   NO: 3   EXC: 1   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS

04:42:04 PM
Motion Adopt amendment L.002 (Attachment C)
Moved Clifford
Seconded Carter
Armagost
Bacon Excused
Caldwell
Clifford
Espenoza
Garcia
Keltie
Soper
Zokaie
Carter
Mabrey
YES: 0   NO: 0   EXC: 1   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  Pass Without Objection
04:42:07 PM  
Representative Clifford provided closing remarks in support of HB 25-1214. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.

05:02:00 PM
Motion Refer House Bill 25-1214, as amended, to the Committee on Finance.
Moved Clifford
Seconded Garcia
Armagost No
Bacon Yes
Caldwell No
Clifford Yes
Espenoza Yes
Garcia Yes
Keltie No
Soper No
Zokaie Yes
Carter Yes
Mabrey Yes
Final YES: 7   NO: 4   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS