H_JUD_2023A 04/12/2023 01:41:55 PM Committee Summary

Dan Caplan, Maureen Cain of the Office of the State Public Defender, Tom Raynes of the Colorado District Attorneys' Council, and Dan Rubinstein, District Attorney for Mesa County, made a presentation to the committee concernin the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice (CCJJ). Mr. Caplan discussed the formation of the CCJJ and provided some history on the commission and its functions. Mr. Raynes discussed his tenure on the CCJJ, and provided some additional history of the commission's efforts. Ms. Cain discussed CCJJ from her perspective, and further outlined the commission's duties and activities. Mr. Rubinstein further discussed the history of the CCJJ.

Representatives Joseph and Soper, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 23-1280, concerning the codification of the Colorado Access to Justice Commission. Representative Joseph explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Soper provided additional input on the merits of the bill. Representatives Soper and Joseph responded to questions regarding the fiscal impact of, and funding mechanism for, the bill

Mr. Richard Murray, representing Colorado Access to Justice Commission, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Sam Walker, representing Colorado Access to Justice Commission, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Matt Baca, representing Colorado Legal Services, testified in a neutral position on the bill. Discussion ensued regarding reporting requirements for maintaining legal licensure in Colorado.

Ms. Elisa Overall, representing Colorado Access to Justice Commission, testified in support of the bill.

Terry Scanlon, representing Judicial, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Beatriz Garcia, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the funding mechanism for the commission under the bill, and how HB 23-1280 changes the function of the commission. Ms. Overall and Mr. Scanlon responded to questions regarding how attorneys and law students can volunteer to work with the commission. Ms. Overall responded to questions regarding the potential impact of the bill on the commission's nonprofit status.

Representatives Joseph and Soper explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment A). Representatives Soper and Joseph responded to questions regarding coordination issues that are addressed by the amendment.

Representatives Joseph and Soper provided closing remarks in support of HB 23-1280. Representative Pugliese provided her position on the bill.

Representative Luck provided her position on HB 23-1280.

Representatives Mabrey and Lynch, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 23-160, concerning the continuation of the Community Crime Victims Grant Program, and, in connection therewith, implementing the recommendations of the 2022 sunset report on the Community Crime Victims Grant Program by the Department of Regulatory Agencies. Representative Mabrey explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Lynch provided additional input on the merits of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding how victims are able to access the resources available under the bill.

Ms. Cory Miskell, representing Latino Coalition for Community Leadership, testified in support of the bill.

Wendy Talley, representing Latino Coalition for Community Leadership, testified in support of the bill.

Jason Vitello, representing the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, testified in support of SB 23-160.

Renu Gupta-Fitzgerald, representing Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Troy Grimes, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. James Marquez, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Marquez responded to questions regarding consistency in the programming continued by SB 23-160. Discussion ensued regarding programming to increase public safety.

No amendments were offered to SB 23-160. Representatives Mabrey and Lynch provided closing remarks in support of the bill. The committee discussed the merits of the legislation.

Representative Martinez, co-prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 23-157, concerning the continuation of the Offender Reentry Grant Program, and, in connection therewith, implementing the recommendations in the Department of Regulatory Agencies' 2022 sunset report. Representative Martinez explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.

Mr. Richard Marquez, representing Latino Coalition for Community Leadership, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Khalil Halim, representing Second Chance Center Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Cory Miskell, representing Latino Coalition for Community Leadership, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Miskell responded to questions regarding the expansion of programming under SB 23-157, and the connection between the WAGEES program and community corrections. Ms. Miskell responded to questions regarding the number of faith-based organizations that participate in the program.

Mr. Kevin Alvarez, representing Life-Line Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Nanisha Washington, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs. Jessica Bertolas, representing Department of Corrections, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Adrienne Sanchez, representing Colorado Department of Corrections, was available to answer committee questions. Ms. Washington responded to questions regarding where she participated in WAGEES programming.

No amendments were offered to the bill. Representative Martinez provided closing remarks in support of SB 23-157. The committee discussed the merits of the bill.