H_JUD_2021A 03/30/2021 01:35:49 PM Committee Summary

Representatives Tipper and Ricks, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 21-1194, concerning creation of the immigration legal defense fund. Representative Ricks explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Tipper provided further information regarding the effect of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding creating the bill's program in the private sector rather than through state government.

The following persons testified regarding HB 21-1194:

Sarah Plastino, representing the Rocky Mountain Immigrant Advocacy Network, testified in support of the bill.

Valeria Contreras, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Sarah Klieforth-Williams, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Plastino responded responded to questions regarding the number of clients she represents who are charged with a crime, the number of immigration cases currently pending in Colorado, and the impact of a person having an attorney on the length of detainment. Ms. Plastino responded to further questions regarding potential federal action on providing legal counsel to those in immigrant proceedings. Discussion ensued regarding the effect of the legislation. Ms. Plastino responded to questions regarding children that undergo immigration proceedings, and the sources of funding for her organization.

Jamie Torres, representing herself, testified in support of HB 21-1194.

Tekleab Kidane, representing himself, testified in support of the bill through an interpreter.

Ms. Torres responded to questions regarding an immigrant legal defense fund created by the City and County of Denver.

Catalino Alvarado, representing himself, testified in support of HB 21-1194.

Carime Lee, representing herself, testified in support of HB 21-1194.

Carlos Lopez, representing Mountain Dreamers, read the testimony of a client in support of the bill.

Katherine Traverso, representing the Vera Institute of Justice, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Lee addressed questions raised during earlier discussion.

Janine Young, representing herself, testified in support of HB 21-1194.

Denise Maes, representing the ACLU, testified in support of the bill.

Lydia Waligorski, representing Violence Free Colorado, testified in support of HB 21-1194.

Vallerie Bustamante, representing Stand for Children, testified in support of the bill.

The bill sponsors provided closing remarks in support of HB 21-1194. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representatives Daugherty and Gonzales-Gutierrez, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 21-1209, concerning offenders who committed an offense when under twenty-one years of age. Representative Daugherty explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez provided additional input on the merits of the bill.

Eric Davis, representing himself, testified in support of HB 21-1209.

Ashley Hamilton, representing the University of Denver, testified in support of the bill.

Apryl Alexander, representing the University of Denver, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding certain programming conducted by the Department of Corrections that provides hope to offenders. Mr. Davis provided his perception of the Juveniles Convicted as Adults Program (JCAP).

Tim Lopez, representing himself, testified in opposition to HB 21-1209.

Geneva Pearman, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

George Brauchler, representing the Eighteenth Judicial District district attorney, testified in opposition to the bill.

T'Naus Nieto, representing himself, testified in support of HB 21-1209.

Anthony Quintana, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Ashley Ratliff, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Quintana responded to questions regarding the crime that resulted in his son's incarceration, and the subsequent sentencing.

Ray Harlan, representing Colorado Victims for Justice, testified in opposition to HB 21-1209.

Cynthia Gellston-Graham, representing Colorado Victims for Justice, testified in opposition to the bill.

Victoria McGrath, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Vida Stallter, representing herself, testified in support of HB 21-1209.

Andrew Salas, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Sharletta Evans, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mary Beth Smollon, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

The sponsors screened a video.

Vincent Rodriguez, representing himself, testified in support of HB 21-1209.

Erik Jensen, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Jasmine Ross, representing CCJRC, testified in support of the bill.

Aaron Greco, representing the Department of Corrections, testified on HB 21-1209 from a neutral position.

Catherine Pritt, representing the Department of Corrections, testified on the bill from a neutral position.

Elise Logemann, representing the ACLU, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding the number of offenders eligible for the JCAP program both under HB 21-1209, and if the bill were to not pass.

Maisha Fields, representing herself, testified in opposition to HB 21-1209.

Beth McCann, Denver District Attorney, testified in support of HB 21-1209. Ms. McCann responded to questions regarding the ability of victims and associated family members to provide input on offenders being admitted to the JCAP program and their subsequent parole potential.

Jeff Johnson, representing himself, testified in support of HB 21-1209.

Robbie Valenzuela, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Ruby Rubio, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Maureen Cain, representing the Colorado Office of the State Public Defender, testified in support of HB 21-1209.

Ms. Cain responded to questions regarding the exclusion of people convicted of certain offenses from participating in the JHAP program by the bill. Ms. Cain explained the effect of certain forthcoming amendments, and the history of certain legislation that impacts the JHAP program.

Discussion ensued regarding the effect of certain language in amendment L.001.

The bill sponsors provided closing remarks in support of HB 21-1209. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.