65D4E94C7BF131708725895500713F83 Hearing Summary

Senator Henrichsen, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 23-022, concerning adding aggravated motor vehicle theft to the list of convictions that apply to the offense of possession of weapons by previous offenders (POWPO).  He discussed the need for the bill and the increase in aggravated motor vehicle thefts in the state.   

Committee members discussed the bill title. 

Ms Maureen Cain, representing Office of State Public Defender, testified in opposition to the bill. She discussed recommendations from the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ) sentencing reform task force. 

District Attorney John Kellner, representing 18th Judicial District, testified to amend the bill. He also recommended to include felony distribution of drugs as an underlying POWPO offense. 

Tristan Gorman, representing Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified to amend the bill.  She discussed predicate offenses and raised concerns about adding drug distribution. 

Ms. Eileen McCarron, representing Colorado Ceasefire, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed an increase in vehicle theft and violent crime. 

Mollie Steinemann, representing Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the rise in vehicle theft. 

Chief Chris Noeller, representing Colorado Association Chiefs of Police - Pueblo Police Department, testified in support of the bill. He noted an increase in violent crime and auto theft.

Commander Doug Trainer, representing City of Colorado Springs/Colorado Springs Police Department, testified in support of the bill.  He raised concerns about auto theft and violent crime. 

Committee members asked questions about arrest and conviction rate for auto theft. 

Colonel Matthew Packard, representing Colorado State Patrol, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed the number of guns uncovered in auto theft.

Sheriff Tyler Brown, representing County Sheriff’s of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed criminal behavior and motor vehicle theft. 

Committee discussed followed about the arrest rate for motor vehicle theft and collaborative approaches to decrease the incidence of it. 

The committee took a brief recess. 

The committee was called back to order.

The bill sponsor had no amendments and proceeded to closing remarks.