DAECA1DBEA735E6187258B020076CAEA Hearing Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representatives Duran and Weissman, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 24-1437, concerning prohibiting a municipality from using specified payment structures for indigent defense services under certain circumstances. Representative Duran explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Weissman further explained the bill.

Ms. Elizabeth Shaw Gonzales Esq, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Marea Beeman, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Conor Gleason, representing Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Casey Krizman, representing Krizman Law, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Krizman responded to questions regarding claims made during his testimony.

Carrie Thompson, representing Colorado Criminal Defense Bar and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, testified in support of the bill.

Jessica Jones, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Soledad Diaz, representing Violence Free Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Eve Primus, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Primus responded to questions regarding the level of service provided by attorneys who are paid a flat fee, and ethical considerations. Ms. Primus responded to further questions regarding amounts paid under a flat-fee structure.

Ms. Jessica Campbell-Swanson, representing Arapahoe County, testified to amend the bill.

Ms. Corin Flannigan, representing Colorado Municipal Judges Association, testified to amend the bill.

Rebecca Wallace, representing Colorado Freedom Fund, testified in support of the bill.

Catherine Ordonez, representing American Civil Liberties Union of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Krystal Dawson, representing The Arc of Aurora, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Jonathan Jourdane, representing Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Wallace responded to questions regarding to questions regarding the difference between a flat-fee structure for attorneys as compared to a salary, and the quality of work performed by those being paid a flat fee.

Roshan Kalantar, representing Violence Free Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Weissman explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment A).

Representative Weissman explained the effect of amendment L.002 (Attachment B). Representative Weissman responded to questions regarding the definition of "flat fee" in the amendment.

Representatives Weissman and Duran provided closing remarks in support of HB 24-1437. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.