5A362C1B9D82C812872583CF00727ABC Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee reconvened.

Senator Lundeen and Senator Fields, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 19-185 to the committee. Under the bill, a minor charged with prostitution is immune from criminal liability if probable cause exists to believe they are a victim of human trafficking for involuntary or sexual servitude. The bill also makes being a minor who is a victim of human trafficking for involuntary or sexual servitude an affirmative defense to any criminal violation.

The sponsors distributed amendments L.001 (Attachment A) and L.002 (Attachment B) to the committee.

Christian Gardner-Wood, representing the Boulder County District Attorney, testified in support of the bill.

Lara Mullin, representing the Denver District Attorney's Office, testified in support of the bill.

Arnold Hanuman, representing the Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Hanuman, Ms. Mullin, and Mr. Gardner-Wood responded to committee questions about the amendments and the bill.

Commander James Henning, representing the Denver Police Department, testified in support of the bill.

Kelly Dore, representing the National Human Trafficking Survivor Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Samantha Jadin, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.