FE425E762B5305F48725898F007B9D39 Hearing Summary

Senators Gonzales and Gardner, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 23-158, concerning the continuation of the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ).  The bill sponsors discussed the function of the CCJJ and recommendations in the sunset report. 

Committee members asked questions about the CCJJ's role in shaping policy.  Committee discussion followed about other structures to study policy.  Further questions were raised about the time committment of CCJJ members. 

Executive Director Stan Hilkey, representing Colorado Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill.  He provided a brief history of the CCJJ. 

Mr. Rick Kornfeld, representing Private Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed the benefits of the CCJJ as compared to issue specific or other ad hoc committees. 

Tom Raynes, representing Colorado District Attorneys Association, testified in support of the bill.

Chief Dave Hayes, representing Colorado Association of the Chiefs of Police, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked questions juveniles.  Further questions were raised about where comprehensive reviews of criminal justice issues would take place without the CCJJ, 

Committee members continued to ask the panel questions about CCJJ recommendations and how they are used, or not used, in the legislative process.   Discussion ensued about the value of the CCJJ. 

Additional questions were raised about CCJJ members involvement in the political process, followed by the size of the CCJJ and member time commitment. 

Janet Drake, representing Department of Law, testified in support of the bill.

Fran Lanzer, representing Mothers Against Drunk Driving, testified in a neutral position on the bill.

Committee discussion followed about CCJJ meeting times and hours involved. 

Taylor Pendergrass, representing ACLU of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Tristan Gorman, representing Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in opposition to the bill.

Rebecca Wallace, representing Colorado Freedom Fund, testified in opposition to the bill.

Committee discussion followed about the best body or structure to study criminal justice issues if at all.  Committee members asked qjuestions about politics and the CCJJ. 

Further discussion ensued about CCJJ and politics.  Questions were raised about associated costs. 

The bill was laid over until further notice.