7F3291950BD07954872583C300740437 Hearing Summary

Senator Lee explained SB19-143, concerning changes related to parole release to alleviate prison population issues.  He explained that the bill is one in a series of actions being taken to manage the prison population. 

Dean Williams, Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC), provided testimony about the bill.  He discussed prison vacancy rates and noted that county jails are filling up with offenders waiting to get a spot in prison.  He further discussed recidivism and parole technical violations.  He answered questions from the committee about parole criteria and risk assessments.  Discussion followed about statutory requirements for prison fencing and walls and other security measures. 

Mr. Williams continued to answer questions from the committee about transition work facilities in DOC and the differences between them and Community Corrections (Comcor).  Discussion ensued about Comcor and bedspace and other reentry services,   Further discussion followed about technical violations and concerns about forcing inmates out of prison before they are ready due to high capacity. 

Christie Donner, representing the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice, testified in favor or the bill.  She discussed how the bill provides more tools to manage prison populations.  She walked the committee through the bill and emphasized parole eligibility requirements, parole board decisions, technical violations, short-term stabilization options, and community reentry programs. 

Committee members noted the hard work Ms. Donner and others put into the bll.  Discussion followed about low risk inmates, parole eligibility, and community services.  Ms. Donner explained how the bill will require a review by the full Parole Board if concerns are raised about an inmate who is eligible for release.  The committee proceeded to discuss the prison capacity and short-term stabilization facilities. 

Committee members raised questions about misclassification, information sharing, and communication between DOC and the Parole Board.  Concerns about homelessness and recidivism were also discussed. 

Ray Harlan, representing Colorado Victims for Justice, spoke in opposition to the bill. He distributed a letter outlining some of his concerns about the bill (Attachment F). 

An email from Gregg Kildow was distributed and made part of record (Attachment G).

Senator Lee distributed and explained amendments L. 001 and L. 004 as conforming ones (Attachments H and I). 

Senator Lee distributed and explained amendment L. 005, which makes prison population management strategies mandatory (Attachment J). 

Senator Lee next distributed and explained amendment L. 007 (Attachment K) that strikes sections of the bill related to the Camp George transitional facility. 

Senators Lee and Gonzales made closing remarks.