CD2C0FA5D5964F2187258ADF000CDA9E Hearing Summary

Representatives Mabrey and Snyder, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 24-1101, concerning empowering victims by enhancing access to restorative justice in criminal cases. Representative Mabrey explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Snyder provided additional input on the merits of the bill, and summarized some forthcoming amendments. Discussion ensued regarding the plan to amend the bill at a future date. Discussion followed regarding the fiscal impact of the bill, and the funding source for the bill's programming. Aaron Carpenter, Legislative Council Staff, addressed questions regarding the bill's fiscal impact. Discussion returned to the plan to amend HB 24-1101.

Mr. Pete Lee, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Committee members received a fact sheet supporting the bill (Attachment E). Ms. Cindy Stepp, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Anaya Robinson, representing ACLU of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Nathan Eagan, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Don Streufert, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Frenanda Rosenblatt, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Lynn Branham, representing herself, testified in support of HB 24-1101. Dr. Rosenblatt responded to questions regarding the potential for restorative justice to revictimize victims. Mr. Lee responded to questions regarding organizations that support the bill, and the operation of a restorative justice circle. Mr. Lee responded to further questions regarding the prioritization of restorative justice.

Ms. Jessica Dotter, representing Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Deborah Meissner, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Andrea Bradbury, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Jessica Fann, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Diana Goldberg, representing Colorado Children's Alliance - SungateKids Child Advocacy Center, testified in opposition to the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding potential coercion of victims through restorative justice. Ms. Dotter responded to questions regarding certain provisions in HB 24-1101 pertaining to alternative sentencing options. Discussion followed regarding the inclusion of certain crimes within the restorative justice framework under the bill, and the position of victims groups on the bill. Ms. Dotter responded to questions regarding studies on sex crimes and restorative justice. Discussion followed regarding the source of funding for the bill's programming.

Ms. Soledad Diaz, representing Violence Free Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Jamie Ray, representing Legislation Inside, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Erin Gazelka, representing herself, testified to amend the bill.

Ms. Sharletta Evens, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Alexis King, representing District Attorney for the 1st Judicial District, testified to amend the bill.

Dr. Abby Ferber, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Shannon Johnson, representing themself, testified to amend the bill.

Ms. Elizabeth Newman, representing Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, testified to amend the bill. Ashley Jellison, representing Colorado Children's Alliance, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Michael Dougherty, representing Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance and Colorado District Attorney Council, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Jocelyn Rhymer, representing Mothers Against Drunk Driving, testified in opposition to the bill. Courtney Sutton, representing Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Nancy Lewis, representing North Star Victim and Community Services, testified in opposition to the bill. Ash Williams, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Newman clarified her position on the bill and some forthcoming amendments.

Representative Weissman laid over HB 24-1101 to a future date for action only.