BFF7E7EE67111CAF87258264006D4C5C Hearing Summary

Representatives Wist and Herod, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 18-014, concerning requiring the Department of Corrections to disclose the location of inmates who are relocataed to facilities outside of the state.  Representative Wist explained the effect of the bill, and discussed its need. Representative Herod provided input on the bill's merits. Discussion ensued regarding an exemption in the bill, and the impact of out-of-state prison transfers on prisoner violence. Discussion followed regarding state liability should something happen to an offender transferred out of state. Representative Wist discussed the number of offenders that would be impacted by the bill.

Mr. Travis Trani, representing the Department of Corrections, testified in support of SB 18-014. Mr. Trani explained the Interstate Corrections Compact, which allows states to transfer offenders between states. Ms. Monica Chambers, representing the Department of Corrections, testified in support of the bill.  Ms. Chambers provided an overview of the victim notification program.  Discussion ensued regarding certain exemptions in the bill.

Discussion continued regarding certain exemptions in SB 18-014. Discussion followed regarding judicial discretion in the victim notification process.

Mr. Tom Sullivan, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Sullivan recounted the loss of his son, and discussed the relocation of his son's murderer to an out-of-state location. He discussed the need to notify the families of victims when an offender is relocated. He addressed issues raised during earlier discussions.

Ms. Denise Maes, representing the ACLU, testified regarding SB 18-014. Ms. Maes expressed some concerns with the bill.  Ms. Maes responded to questions regarding the types of offenders who may be put at risk as a result of the notifications facilitated by the bill. Discussion ensued regarding this point.

Ms. Maes responded to questions regarding case law associated with the Department of Corrections' transfer of offenders.

Mr. Tim Lopez, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Lopez discussed letters he received from the Department of Corrections concerning the whereabouts of some offenders (Attachment F), and explained how transfers take place under the Interstate Corrections Compact. Representative Wist read a letter from Christine Ridgeway (Attachment G).

Representatives Wist and Herod provided closing remarks in support of SB 18-014.