h_jud_2017a_2017-02-09t13:30:31z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/09/2017

Location: HCR 0112

01:31 PM -- HB17-1015



The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Hooton, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 17-1015, concerning clarifying the manner in which reductions of inmates' sentences are administered in county jails. Representative Hooton explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. The following persons testified regarding HB 17-1015:



01:35 PM -- Mr. Joe Pelle, Boulder County Sheriff representing the County Sheriffs of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Sheriff Pelle discussed the computation of good time at the county level under current law, and explained how the bill improves this computation. He discussed some forthcoming amendments. Sheriff Pelle responded to questions regarding the potential fiscal impact of the bill on rural jurisdictions, and the discretion afforded to sheriffs in granting, and taking away, good time under the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the entitlement of offenders to a certain amount of good time. Sheriff Pelle responded to questions regarding his previous reference to due process, and the effect of the bill on existing good time accruals.





01:48 PM



Sheriff Pelle responded to questions regarding Boulder County's good time policy as compared to that instituted by the bill.



01:49 PM -- Ms. Dea Wheeler, representing the Boulder County Sheriff's Office and the County Sheriffs of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Wheeler explained the genesis of HB 17-1015, and addressed questions raised during earlier testimony. Ms. Wheeler responded to questions regarding the reason for the bill striking certain language from current law.



01:53 PM -- Mr. Jeff Goetz, representing the Boulder County Sheriff's Office, testified in support of HB 17-1015. Mr. Goetz explained why the bill was brought forward, and discussed certain negative incentive structures for offenders under current law. Mr. Goetz explained why an offender might be transferred between county jails. Mr. Goetz provided background on the Colorado Jail Association.



01:59 PM -- Captain Ron Leonard, representing the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, testified in support of the bill. Captain Leonard provided a recent history of the issues addressed by the bill, and provided an overview of his jurisdiction's jail use plan. He suggested some amendments to improve the legislation, and discussed the benefits of good time in the area of work release. Captain Leonard further explained the intent of his proposed amendments.



02:09 PM -- Mr. Shawn Coleman, representing the Drug Policy Alliance and Terrapin Care Station, testified in support of HB 17-1015. Mr. Coleman discussed the best ways to rehabilitate offenders, and the benefits of early release of offenders.





02:12 PM



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



17HouseJud0209AttachA.pdf

02:14 PM



Sheriff Pelle proposed some amendments. Discussion ensued on these proposals.





02:19 PM



The committee recessed.





02:37 PM



The committee returned to order. Mr. Richard Sweetman, Office of Legislative Legal Services, explained the effect of amendment L.002 (Attachment B). Discussion ensued regarding the effect of the amendment, and the position of district attorneys on the amendment.



17HouseJud0209AttachB.pdf

02:43 PM



Representative Hooton provided closing remarks in support of HB 17-1015.