1FE9E181F328B1998725883800014CFE Hearing Summary

Senator Gonzales, bill sponsor, presented House Bill 22-1311, concerning measures to reduce justice-involvement for young children, and in connection therewith, focus on prevention and age-appropriate interventions and making an appropriation.  She discussed a strike-below amendment from the House that relocates the study group on this topic to the Department of Human Services (DHS) .   She distributed a document from the Colorado Youth Justice Collaborative (Attachment E). 

Ms. Jessica Dotter, representing Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in opposition to the bill. She suggested the study group be located in the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ) instead of DHS.

Mrs. Katharina Booth, representing 20th JD District Attorney's Office - Boulder County, testified in opposition to the bill.  She addressed the location of the study group and the related timeline.

Tom Raynes, representing Colorado District Attorneys Council, testified in opposition to the bill. He discussed the benefits of housing the study group in the CCJJ and distributed handout about the CCJJ (Attachment F). 

Committee discussion followed about  the CCJJ, the proposed study group focus, and the time frame to complete the study. 

Committee members asked questions about the CCJJ and juveniles. Further discussion ensued about county commissioner opposition to the bill and unfunded mandates.

Senator Gardner distributed Amendment L. 036 which houses the study group in the CCJJ (Attachment G ). 

Ms. Dotter explained the amendment. 

Committee members asked questions about the CCJJ workload and structure. 

Discussion ensued about diversion and restorative justice.

Commander Dutch Smith, representing Colorado Association of the Chiefs of Police - Lakewood PD, testified in opposition to the bill. He explained his support for the CCJJ. 

Ms. Dafna Gozani, representing National Center for Youth Law, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the benefits of housing the study group in DHS.

Dr. Carly Muller, representing Colorado Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, testified in support of the bill. She supported the study group in DHS.

Ms. Elise Logemann, representing American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. She emphasized that the bill is crafted to answer questions about 10 to 12 year olds who are not prosecuted. 

Committee discussion followed about committees that are not under CCJJ.  Questions were raised about how to find services for juveniles who are also victims and alternatives to detention. 

Ms. Sheri Danz, representing Office of the Child's Representative, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed the youth voice.

Meighen Lovelace, representing Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Dr. Grace Cheney, representing Colorado Psychiatric Society & Colorado Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Society, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Stuart Jenkins, representing Healthier Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Gardner revisited Amendment  L. 036 about relocating the study group in the CCJJ (Attachment G). 

Senator Gonzales made closing comments.