s_jud_2018a_2018-03-14t14:20:20z1 Hearing Summary

Senator Lundberg, sponsor, explained HB18-1029 concerning lowering the period of mandatory parole from five years to three years for certain felony offenses.   He relayed that the bill was recommended by the Sentencing in the Criminal Justice System Interim Study Committee. 

Senator Lundberg distributed Amendments L.005, L.006, and L.007 (Attachments A, B, and C). 

Senator Lundberg answered questions from the committee regarding the stakeholder process and the rationale for the bill.  He emphasized that the majority of parolees who fail on parole do so within the first three years. 

Melissa Roberts, Director of Adult Parole for the Department of Corrections, spoke in favor of the bill.  She explained that the bill is cost effective and allows for parole officers to focus on their higher-risk case loads.  She emphasized that over-supervision can be counter-productive.   

Carrie Thompson, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill.  She explained that there has not been a change in mandatory parole for 25 years.  She emphasized there is no appreciable gains after 3 years of parole. 

Arnold Hanuman, representing the Colorado District Attorneys' Council, explained the amendments,   He said that they were for structural, cross-referencing, or relocation purposes. 

Senator Lundberg made closing remarks.