4E392CE3785700BE8725897A0076A6FD Hearing Summary

Senators Gonzales and Gardner, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 23-164, concerning the continuation of the Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB), and, in connection therewith, implementing the recommendations contained in the 2022 sunset report by the Department of Regulatory Agencies. 

The bill sponsors explained the bill and provided a brief history of the SOMB.  They discussed ongoing issues related to the SOMB, including  treatment options in the DOC and treatment provider options, among others.  They also explained the stakeholder process. 

Erika Unger, representing Bread & Roses Legal Center, testified in opposition to the bill.

Committee discussion ensued about sex offender treatment for the LGBTQ+ communities.  Committee members asked questions about indeterminate sentences.  Further questions were asked about providers and treatment options. 

Pat Harris, representing Advocates for Change, testified to amend the bill. She distributed a handout with recommended changes (Attachment B).

Ms. Laurie Kepros, representing Office of the State Public Defender & Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified to amend the bill.  She made a number of suggestions about treatment in DOC, juvenile standards, risk assessments, and provider options.  She distributed a handout (Attachment C). 

Mr. Michael Dell, representing Colorado-CURE, testified to amend the bill.

Mr. Taber Powers, representing themself, testified to amend the bill.

Brie Franklin, representing Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, testified to amend the bill.

Ms. Jessica Dotter, representing Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in support of the bill.  She suggested a SOMB study.

Mr. Chris Lobanov-Rostovsky, representing Colorado Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill.

Raechel Alderete, representing Colorado Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill. 

Courtney Sutton, representing Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, testified in support of the bill.

Katie Abeyta, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked questions about DOC treatment and possible solutions.  Further conversation followed about treatment participation criteria and indeterminate sentencing laws. 

Committee discussion ensued about DOC sex offender treatment and legislative changes.  Committee members asked questions about how complaints against the SOMB are raised and managed. 

Mr James Karbach, representing Colorado state public defender, testified to amend the bill.

Roger Kincade, representing Advocates for Change, testified to amend the bill. He discussed treatment options for low risk offenders. 

Marcia Brewer, representing Advocates for Change, testified to amend the bill. She discussed person first language and sexually violent predator terminology. 

Ms. Adrienne Sanchez, representing Colorado Department of Corrections, was available to answer committee questions.

Mrs. Amanda Retting, representing Colorado Department of Corrections- SOTMP, was available to answer committee questions.

Committee members asked questions about DOC sex offender treatment. 

Written testimony about the SOMB may be read in Attachment D. 

The committee chair laid the bill over to work on amendments.