546620A69A7DC0DB8725839F007F7869 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representatives Michaelson Jenet and Carver, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 19-1155, concerning adding certain conduct to the definition of sexual contact.  Representative Michaelson Jenet discussed a criminal case that led to the introduction of the legislation, and explained the need for the bill. Representative Carver provided further information on the criminal case, and explained the effect of the bill.

The following persons testified regarding HB 19-1155:

Mr. Dave Young, representing the Seventeenth Judicial District, testified in support of the bill. Committee members received a fact sheet supporting the bill (Attachment A).  Mr. Young provided additional detail on the criminal case discussed by the sponsors, and explained how the bill will help close a loophole in criminal law.

Ms. Amanda Gall, representing the Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Gall provided further information on the closing of a loophole by the bill. Ms. Gall responded to questions regarding other crimes that would be impacted by HB 19-1155, and the scope of age covered by the bill. Ms. Gall responded to further questions regarding the potential impact of the bill on certain populations.

Ms. Alexis King, representing the Colorado Women's Bar Association, testified in support of the bill. Ms. King explained why the definition of sexual contact should be expanded by the bill.

Ms. Diana Goldberg, representing Children's Advocacy Centers, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Goldberg discussed criminal cases similar to the one that prompted the introduction of HB 19-1155.

Mr. Landon Gates, representing the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, testified in support of the bill.

No amendments were offered to HB 19-1155. The prime sponsors provided closing remarks in support of the bill. Representative Herod provided her position on the bill.