6759F6E2BD152E20872587E40060F1C8 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed. 

The committee reconvened at 11:12 a.m. 

Senators Fields and Gardner, co-prime sponsors, explained Senate Bill 22-049, concerning updating the "Victim Rights Act".   Senator Fields gave a brief history of the Victim Rights Act. 

John Kellner, District Attorney, 18th Judicial District, representing Office of District Attorney, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed remote participation, access to police reports and records, and subpoenas. 

Mr. Tom Raynes, representing Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed increased communication with victims and a section of the bill regarding sequestration.

Committee members asked questions about bond hearings.  Discussion ensued about sentencing clarity and reform, including good time credits.   Additional questions were raised about victim notification.   

Dr. Sharon Anable, representing self, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed family representation for victims.

Mr Tim Lopez, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Alden Langert, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs. Kelly Kissell, representing the Division of Criminal Justice, testified in support of the bill. She explained the stakeholder process and changes made in the bill.  She further elaborated on questions asked earlier in the hearing about bonds, sequestration, sentence computations, and victim notification.

Ms. Emily Tofte Nestaval, representing Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the stakeholder process, victim participation in court proceedings, and subpoenas. 

James Karbach, representing the Office of the State Public Defender, testified in support of this bill if amended.  He raised concerns about subpoena provisions in the bill, remote appearances, and requiring victims to be present for sentencing hearings. 

Committee members asked questions about sentencing hearing requirements, as outlined in the bill. 

Sterling Harris, representing Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, testified in support of the bill.   She discussed virtual participation, victim designees, and truth-in-sentencing. 

Senator Gardner requested to lay the bill over until February 10, 2022, to work on amendments.