0185E6BFDA8FE4A28725838D006ACECA Hearing Summary

Kent Wagner, Executive Director of the Office of Judicial Performance Evaluation, presented the Colorado Judicial Performance Evaluation, pursuant to Section 13-5.5-114(2), C.R.S (Attachment A).  He reported that a record number of Coloradans accessed judicial performance evaulations in the 2018 retention election.  Mr. Wagner also noted research that supported an increased awareness of judicial performance evaluations and improved recollection of receiving the blue book in the mail.

Mr. Wagner suggested the legislature reconsider several provisions in Section 13-5.5-101 et seq., C.R.S. regarding commission vacancy appointments, senior judge evaluations, the performance standard threshold, and survey responses.   He answered questions from the committee about performance improvement strategies and retention election results.

Chris Forsyth, representing The Judicial Integrity Project, expressed concerns about retention elections, particularly access to judges' disciplinary records.  He also brought up issues with senior judges and accountability.  He answered questions from the commmittee.