8667808E4CA01908872586DA00773896 Hearing Summary

Senators Gardner and Gonzales, co-prime sponsors, explained Senate Bill 21-271, concerning the adoption of the 2021 recommendations of the Colorado criminal and juvenile justice commission (CCJJ) regarding sentencing for offenses.  They distributed a handout from the CCJJ (Atttachment A). 

Executive Director Stan Hilkey, representing Colorado Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the stakeholder process.

Rick Kornfeld, representing CCJJ/Private Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill.

Michael Dougherty, representing CCJJ, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the structure of the sentencing reform working group and the process in which they reviewed and reevaluated misdemeanor offenses.  He provided examples of some of the changes made. 

Jessica Jones, representing CCJJ, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Philip Cherner, representing Sam Cary Bar, testified in support of the bill.

Edward Hill, representing self, testified to amend the bill. He discussed driving while ability impaired or DWAI. 

Mr Ed Wood, representing DUID Victim Voices, testified to amend the bill.

Written testimony submitted about the bill can be found in Attachment C. 

Senator Gardner distributed and explained  Amendment L.001 (Attachment D) for technical clean-ups. 

Senator Gardner distributed explained Amendment L.003 (Attachment E) regarding vehicular homicide.

Senator Gardner distributed and explained Amendment L. 004 (Attachment F) regarding the sex offender registry.

Senators Gardner and Gonzales made closing remarks.