h_jud_2018a_2018-02-27t13:47:52z0 Hearing Summary

The committee was called to order, a quorum was present. Representative Hamner, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-060, concerning protective orders in criminal cases.  Representative Hamner explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.

Ms. Cynthia Kowert, representing the Attorney General's Office, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the importance of the bill's provision pertaining to the transfer of a cell phone account to a petitioner.  Discussion ensued regarding protections for animals under the bill, and property rights associated with cell phone accounts.  Discussion followed regarding the potential effect of SB 18-060 on judicial discretion.

Ms. Kowert responded to further questions regarding the cell phone account property right implications of SB 18-060.  Ms. Kowert responded to questions regarding the process of transferring a cell phone number under the bill.  Discussion returned to the pet protections of the bill, and the effect of the bill on judicial discretion.  Discussion followed regarding the use of tracking devices in cell phones to track victims.  Discussion returned to property interests in cell phone accounts and phone numbers.

Ms. Chris Radoff, and Ms. Catherine Puttmann, representing the Family Law Section of the Colorado Bar Association, testified in support of SB 18-060.  Ms. Radoff discussed the need for the portion of the bill that provides protections for animals.  She responded to questions regarding the types of animals that may fall within the scope of the bill, and the time lengths of protection orders facilitated by the bill.  Ms. Puttmann explained how victims of domestic violence are ushered through the criminal justice process, and discussed the benefits of the animal protections provided by the bill.  Ms. Puttmann addressed cell phone-related questions raised during earlier testimony.  Ms. Radoff addressed questions regarding the types of animals covered by SB 18-060, and how the animal protection portion of the bill would operate when the perpetrator is in possession of the animal.

Ms. Mary Beth Vasco, representing herself, and Ms. Rita Sneider-Cotter, representing Family Tree and Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence, testified in support of SB 18-060.  Ms. Sneider-Cotter discussed the importance of protection orders, and the benefits of the protection orders instituted by the bill.  Ms. Vasco discussed the link between animal abuse and domestic violence, and related her experiences as a victim of domestic violence.

Ms. Kristina Bergsten, representing Colorado Voters for Animals, testified in support of the bill.  Ms. Bergsten discussed the connections between domestic violence and animal cruelty, and related her experience as a victim of domestic violence.

Ms. Lydia Waligorski, representing the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence, testified in support of the bill.  Ms. Waligorski addressed questions raised during earlier testimony.  Discussion ensued regarding the process by which a cell phone account is transferred under the bill, and the position of telecommunications providers on SB 18-060.

Representative Hamner explained the effect of L.007 (Attachment A).

Various committee members provided their positions on SB 18-060. Representative Hamner provided closing remarks in support of the bill.