H_JUD_2021A 02/23/2021 01:32:01 PM Committee Summary

The committee was called to order. All members were present. Representative Weissman, chair, provided opening remarks to the committee. Representative Amabile and Benavidez, presented House Bill 21-1064, concerning the treatment of persons with mental health disorders in the criminal and juvenile justice systems regarding juveniles who have committed sex offenses. Representative Amabile explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Benavidez provided additional input on the merits of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding what public information is available in the sex offender registry with regard to children.

Discussion ensued regarding the rationale behind certain provisions in HB 21-1064, and the composition of the legislative oversight committee that initiated the legislation. Discussion followed regarding the potential for eliminating the sex offender registry, and the process by which a juvenile is removed from the sex offender registry.

The following persons testified regarding HB 21-1064:

Amanda Gall, representing the Colorado District Attorneys Council, testified in support of the bill.

Tim Lane, representing the Colorado District Attorneys Council and the Task Force for Treatment of Persons with Mental Health Disorders in the Criminal and Juvenile Justice Systems, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Lane responded to questions regarding the activities of the task force last legislative interim, and the fiscal impact of the bill. Ms. Gall responded to questions regarding how to obtain the sex offender registry list.

Elise Logemann, representing the ACLU of Colorado, testified in support of HB 21-1064.

Laurie Rose Kepros, representing the Office of the State Public Defender and the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill.

Michael Rose, representing himself, testified in support of HB 21-1064.

Emma McLean-Riggs, representing the ACLU, testified in support of the bill.

Apryl Alexander, representing the Colorado Juvenile Defender Center, testified in support of HB 21-1064. Ms. Alexander responded to questions regarding certain jurisprudence surrounding sex offender registries.

No amendments were offered to HB 21-1064. Discussion ensued regarding how the public is able to access information on juvenile sex offenders under the bill. Ms. Gall returned to provide input on this issue. The bill sponsors provided closing remarks in support of the bill. The committee chair discussed the merits of the bill.