s_jud_2016a_2016-04-18t13:32:05z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 04/18/2016

01:37 PM -- HB16-1059



Senator Todd, sponsor, presented House Bill 16-1059, concerning the definition of "judge" for the crime of retaliation against a judge. Senator Todd explained the bill.



01:39 PM -- Mr. Chris Forsyth, representing The Judicial Integrity Project, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Forsyth explained existing statutes and constitutional provisions related to judicial service. He also explained the effect of the bill. Mr. Forsyth responded to questions regarding what may constitute retaliation under existing law, and related laws.



01:45 PM -- Ms. Ruth Sadler, representing Families Against Court Embezzlement Unethical Standards (FACEUS), testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Sadler discussed her experience in mediation.



01:48 PM -- Ms. Karen Kalavity, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Kalavity discussed her experience with judges and the legal system.



01:50 PM -- Ms. Luanne Fleming, representing FACEUS, testified in opposition to the bill. She discussed her experience with a judge in mediation, and accountability for judges.



01:54 PM -- Mr. Peter Coulter, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Coulter discussed his experience with a judge.



01:57 PM -- Mr. Robin Austin, representing FACEUS, testified in opposition to the bill. He discussed judicial accountability. Mr. Austin responded to a question regarding actions that constitute retaliation under existing law.



02:08 PM -- Mr. Chris Johnson, representing the County Sheriffs of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Johnson discussed his experience as a sheriff investigating threats against judges. He responded to questions regarding existing laws concerning making threats against people who are not judges, and existing law concerning retaliation.



02:13 PM -- Mr. Terry Scanlon, representing the Judicial Branch, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Scanlon discussed specific provisions of the bill, explained senior judge status within the Judicial Branch, and provided examples of retaliation against judges. He responded to questions regarding accountability for senior judges, and the standing of retired judges.





02:20 PM



Senator Todd provided closing remarks on the bill. Senator Lundberg commented on the bill.