818C4A326368D66387258973006E7B85 Hearing Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representatives Weissman and Lynch, prime sponsors, presented House Concurrent Resolution 23-1001, concerning submitting to the registered electors of the state of Colorado an amendment to the Colorado Constitution concerning judicial discipline, and, in connection therewith, eestablishing an independen judicial discipline adjudicative board, setting standards for judicial review of a discipline case, and clarifying when discipline proceedings become public. Representative Weissman explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Lynch provided additional input on the bill and its merits.  Committee members received a packet of information on the bill from Representative Weissman (Attachment A), a letter of input from the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discpline (Attachment B), and a fact sheet from the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline (Attachment C).

Mr. Chris Forsyth, representing The Judicial Integrity Project, testified in opposition to the bill. Terry Scanlon, representing Judicial Department, testified in support of the bill. Elizabeth Newman, representing the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, testified from a neutral position on the bill. Ms. Newman responded to questions regarding her organization's position on HCR 23-1001.

Alison Connaughty, representing Colorado Women's Bar Association, testified in support of the bill. Ariana Busby, representing Colorado Women's Bar Association, testified in support of the bill. Ms. MJ Coleman Jackson, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Connaughty responded to questions regarding the Colorado Women's Bar's position on the three bills before the committee. Ms. Busby responded to questions regarding whether HCR 23-1001 goes far enough.

Elizabeth Espinosa Krupa, representing the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline, testified in support of HCR 23-1001. David Prince, representing the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline, made himself available to answer questions. Jessica Yates, representing the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline, introduced herself and made herself available to answer questions. She explained that her position on the three measures before the committee is neutral.

Megan Augustine, representing herself, testified in opposition to HCR 23-1001. Ms. Augustine responded to questions regarding her basis for opposing the measure.

Representative Weissman explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment D).

Representatives Lynch and Weissman provided closing remarks in support of HCR 23-1001.