834D7F24F83800008725823A007E3C42 Hearing Summary

Representatives Roberts and Wist, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 18-1102, concerning extending the length of prosecution fellowships from one year to 18 months.  Committee members received a fact sheet supporting the program (Attachment J). Representatives Roberts and Wist explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.  Discussion ensued regarding what constitutes a rural district attorney's office.  Representative Roberts explained the effect of amendment L.002 (Attachment K).  Discussion ensued regarding the fiscal impact of the legislation.  Mr. Tom Raynes, representing the Colorado District Attorneys Council, provided input on these issues.

Mr. Raynes discussed the process by which district attorney fellows are solicited.  Mr. Raynes responded to questions regarding certain reporting metrics concerning the success of the district attorney fellowship program, and criteria for considering financial need among rural jurisdictions.  Discussion returned to amendment L.002 and the fiscal impact of the bill.

Mr. Bruce Brown, representing the Fifth Judicial District, testified in support of the bill.  Mr. Brown addressed questions raised during earlier testimony.

Ms. Kayla Wildeman, representing the Criminal Prosecution Society at the University of Colorado Law School, testified in support of the bill.  Ms. Wildeman discussed her experiences as a district attorney fellow, and the opinion of law school students of the fellowship program.

Ms. Pilar Rodarte, representing the Colorado Bar Association, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Wist explained the effect of amendment L.002.  Discussion ensued regarding portions of the amendment that concern scholarships and independent contractor status.

Various committee members provided their positions regarding HB 18-1102.  The sponsors provided closing remarks in support of the bill.