D5AF015E4E6C533E87258837007977A4 Hearing Summary

Representatives Will and A. Valdez, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 22-145, concerning measures to provide resources to increase community safety.  Representative Valdez explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Will provided additional input on the merits of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding how grant making under the bill will impact rural areas, and uses for grant money in accordance with the bill. Discussion followed regarding how the bill addresses criminal justice-related problems identified by certain communities, and provisions in the bill that allow grant moneys to be used to pay law enforcement officers. Discussion turned to grant making to increase law enforcement diversity under the bill.

Jeffy Demmer, representing One Step Forward, testified in support of SB 22-145.

Michael Honn, representing the Colorado State Patrol, testified in support of the bill.

Sandra Solin, representing the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, testified on the bill from an "amend" position.

Joe Thome, representing the Division of Criminal Justice within the Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill. He addressed questions raised during earlier discussion.

Katharina Booth, representing the Twentieth Judicial District Attorney's Office, testified in support of the bill.

Director Thome responded to questions regarding costs for tuition reimbursement under the bill. Discussion ensued regarding certain community-oriented requirements in the grant programs created by the bill, and drivers of recidivism. Discussion returned to tuition reimbursement under the bill.

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representative Benavidez explained the effect of amendment L.019 (Attachment D). Discussion ensued regarding the merits of the amendment.

Representative Bacon explained the effect of amendment L.020 (Attachment E). Discussion ensued regarding the merits of the amendment.

Representatives Valdez and Will provided closing remarks in support of SB 22-145. Representatives Bacon and Benavidez discussed their positions on the bill.