h_jud_2016a_2016-02-18t13:33:20z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/18/2016

01:35 PM -- HB16-1080



The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Foote, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 16-1080, concerning assault by strangulation. The committee heard testimony on the bill at its February 9 meeting, and resumed testimony at this meeting. The following persons testified regarding the bill:



01:36 PM -- Mr. Mark Hurlbert, representing the Eighteenth Judicial District and the Colorado District Attorneys' Council, resumed his testimony in support of HB 16-1080.



01:37 PM -- Mr. Scott Turner, representing the Attorney General's Office, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Turner discussed the definition of strangulation in the bill, and responded to questions regarding this definition. Mr. Turner responded to questions regarding a potential amendment.



01:43 PM -- Ms. Lydia Waligorski, representing the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Waligorski discussed the process undertaken by stakeholders in crafting HB 16-1080, and placed assault by strangulation in the context of other felony crimes. She quoted research on strangulation. Ms. Waligorski responded to questions regarding a forthcoming amendment, and what constitutes strangulation.





01:57 PM



The committee recessed.





02:00 PM



The committee returned to order. Representative Melton explained the effect of amendment L.004 (Attachment A). Discussion ensued regarding the differences between amendments L.004 and L.003 (Attachment B), and the merits of these amendments.



16HouseJud0218AttachA.pdf 16HouseJud0218AttachB.pdf



02:15 PM



Discussion continued regarding the merits of amendments L.003 and L.004.

02:19 PM



Representative Foote provided closing remarks in support of HB 16-1080.