D54FC75679008F4887258AF3006ECC62 Hearing Summary

Representatives Herod and Woodrow, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 24-1372, concerning regulating the use of prone restraint by law enforcement. Representative Herod explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Woodrow provided additional input on the merits of the bill.  Public comment on the bill may be found at Attachment F.

Ms. Sheneen McClain, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Shataeah Kelly, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Tristan Gorman, representing Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill. Jeff Riester, representing Department of Law, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Gorman responded to questions regarding certain definitions in HB 24-1372. Discussion ensued regarding the placement of certain provisions in statute by the bill, as amended.

Suzette Friedenberger, representing Colorado Fraternal Order of Police, testified to amend the bill. Mr. Marco Montez, representing Mesa County Sheriff's Office, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Linda Bowman, representing Mesa County Sheriff's Office, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Kevin Tedesco, representing Teller County Sheriff's Office, testified in opposition to the bill. Jeremy Schupbach, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill, as amended. Discussion ensued regarding injuries resulting from the deployment of prone restraint techniques, and the potential for amending HB 24-1372 beyond the distributed strike-below amendment, amendment L.001 (Attachment G). Discussion returned to the placement of certain provisions in HB 24-1372 within the current statutes. Discussion followed regarding defensive action versus active aggression.

Ms. Meredith Henry, representing The Arc of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Kiyomi Bolick, representing Defenders Union of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Henry responded to questions regarding strategies of deescalation among certain communities.

Chief Vasquez, representing Colorado Association Chiefs of Police - Colorado Springs Police Department, testified in opposition to the bill.

Elenor Rowe, representing Colorado Association Chiefs of Police - Grand Junction Police Department, testified in opposition to the bill.

SERGEANT-Ike Beers, representing Colorado Association Chiefs of Police - Lakewood Police Department, testified in opposition to the bill.

Jeremiah Boies, representing Colorado Association of the Chiefs of Police- Grand Junction Police Department, testified in opposition to the bill.

Sergeant Beers responded to questions regarding the need for HB 24-1372. Discussion ensued regarding what constitutes use of force.

Chief Hempelmann, representing Colorado Association Chiefs of Police - Broomfield Police Department, testified in opposition to the bill.

Deputy Chief Horn, representing Colorado Association Chiefs of Police - RTD, testified in opposition to the bill.

Amanda Terrell-Orr, representing Colorado Association Chiefs of Police - Colorado Springs Police Department, testified in opposition to the bill.

Chief Noeller, representing Colorado Association Chiefs of Police - Pueblo Police Department, testified in opposition to the bill.

Committee members asked the panel questions about excessive and physical force and associated policies. Further questions were asked about definitions in the bill and impact. Committee discussion ensued about administrative requirements and work force recruitment and retention.

Ms. Christina Mascarenas, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Sherryl Dillon, representing Colorado Springs Police Protective Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Bill Walsh, representing Colorado Springs Police Protective Association, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Erin Meschke, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Melinda Smith, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Shannon Lukeman-Hiromasa, representing Mayor Pro Tem, City of Northglenn, testified in opposition to the bill.

James Jensen, representing Keenesburg Colorado, testified to amend the bill.

Joshua Hursa, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Hursa responded to questions regarding an instance where he was restrained by law enforcement.

Jack Johnson, representing Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of HB 24-1372.

Mr. Ash Williams, representing himself, testified to amend the bill.

Anaya Robinson, representing ACLU of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Robinson responded to questions regarding the proper placement within statute of the provisions of the bill, and reporting requirements in amendment L.001.

Representatives Herod and Woodrow provided closing remarks in support of HB 24-1372. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.