5B6B78739D0CC7F5872589A300796F6C Hearing Summary

Representative deGruy Kennedy, presented House Bill 23-1310, concerning the conditions under which a person commits a civil infraction for misusing a public safety answering point.  Representative degruy Kennedy explained the the effect of the bill. Representative deGruy Kennedy responded to questions regarding an instance where someone might be charged for the crime created by the bill, and data collection surrounding this crime. Representative deGruy Kennedy responded to questions regarding the bill's potential efficacy in deterring the crime created by the bill, and potential constitutional issues with the bill. Discussion ensued regarding current laws proscribing false reporting and harassment, and use of the 911 system for health care purposes.

Ms. Jaci Louise, representing Colorado 911 Advisory Task Force Legislative Subcommittee, testified in support of the bill. Mrs. Jennifer Kirkland, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Tina Buneta, representing Aurora911, testified in support of the bill. Connie Johnson, representing Colorado 911 Resource Center, was available to answer committee questions. Ms. Buneta returned to continue testimony. Ms. Louise responded to questions regarding written testimony on HB 23-1310.

Executive Director Jeff Streeter, representing Jefferson County Communications Center Authority - on behalf of the Colorado Association of the Chiefs of Police, testified in opposition to the bill.

Kyle Mickelson, representing Jefferson County Communications Center Authority (Jeffcom 911), testified in opposition to the bill.

Chief Dave Hayes, representing Colorado Association of the Chiefs of Police - Estes Park Police Department, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Streeter responded to questions regarding the potential for HB 23-1310 to create additional barriers for 911 dispatchers, and the scope of the bill. Mr. Streeter responded to further questions regarding the impact of harassing 911 telephone calls on dispatch times, and the ability to bring criminal charges for harassing 911 telephone calls under existing law.

Representative Armagost explained the effect of amendment L.002 (Attachment A). Discussion ensued regarding the merits of the amendment. Representative Weissman ruled that the amendment did not fit under the title of the bill.

Representative deGruy Kennedy provided closing remarks in support of HB 23-1310. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.

Representative Weissman laid over HB 23-1310.