29F6D895DD5F90138725881D00729A9D Hearing Summary

Senators Fields and Coram, co-prime sponsors, explained Senate Bill 22-188, concerning behavioral health support for advocates in the criminal justice system.  The bill sponsors discussed mental health parity and prosectors and public defenders. The bill sponsors stated that amendments will be forthcoming about the funding mechanism for this behavioral health support. 

District Attorney John Kellner, representing 18th Judicial District, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the need for behavioral health support and supported an amendment about the funding source. 

Mr. James Karbach, representing Colorado State Public Defender, testified in support of the bill. He discussed peer support, employee retention, and funding sources.

Committee members asked question about peer support programs and training.  Further discussion ensued about funding for behavioral health services and other logistical issues about administering the funds.  Additional questions were raised about participants in related programs. 

DA Beth McCann, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the Denver District Attorney's Office peer support program. 

Brian Mason, representing the 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Michael Dougherty, representing self, testified in support of the bill.  He distributed a handout about office behavioral health (Attachment B). 

Committee discussion followed about funding distributions.

Lauren Snyder, representing Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill. She discussed secondary trauma. 

Jeff Riester, representing Department of Law, testified in support of the bill. He discussed workforce retention. 

Gloria Cannady, representing self, testified about the bill.

Senator Fields distributed and explained Amendment L. 002 about funding (Attachment C). 

She next distributed and explained Amendment L. 004 about grant funding distribution (Attachment D). 

Senator Fields distrubuted and explained Amendment L.005 about the Office of the State Public Defender and funding distribution (Attachment E)

The bill sponsors made closing remarks.