91F92ED84C78AFDB872587EB006E5F35 Hearing Summary

Senators Coleman and Hisey, bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 22-050, concerning work opportunities for persons imprisoned by the Department of Corrections.   Senator Coleman discussed economic and employment opportunities and wages.  Senator Hisey discussed Colorado Correctional Industries and competition with the private sector. 

Executive Director Dean Williams, representing Colorado Department of Corrections, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed Colorado Correctional Industries (CCi), philosophical changes about inmate employment, and reducing the recidvidism rate.

Director Jessica Warren, representing Colorado Correctional Industries, testified in support of the bill. She discussed re-envisioning employment before release from prison.

Committee members asked questions about skill sets, market forces, and wages.  Further questions were raised about bank accounts, financial literacy, and restitution.  Discussion resumed about inmate work. 

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Matthew Server, representing Colorado Catholic Conference, testified in support of the bill. He discussed recidivism and rehabilitation.

Senator Coleman distributed and presented Amendment L. 001 which primarily replaces the word inmate for offender (Attachment A). 

The bill sponsors made closing remarks.