S_JUD_2022A 03/09/2022 11:07:19 AM Committee Summary

Senators Winter and Hisey, co-prime sponsors, explained House Bill 22-1169, concerning amending the elements of sexual assault to prohibit sexual misconduct without consent.  They discussed updating language, clarity, and jury instructions. 

Committee members asked questions about the bill's application.

Ms. Jessica Dotter, representing Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed misunderstood jury instructions and what other states have done in this respect. 

Committee members asked questions about consent and proving it in a court of law.  

Elizabeth Newman, representing Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the importance of clear jury instructions in sexual assault cases. 

Senators Hisey and Winter made closing remarks.

Senators Cooke and Fields, co-prime sponsors, explained House Bill 22-1150, concerning the elimination of signature requirements for persons who are alleged to have violated certain offenses.   The bill sponsors discussed eliminating signatures at traffice stops, safety, and other efficiencies. 

Committee members asked questions about the bill's application to the court text reminder program and obtaining phone numbers. 

Captain Michael Honn, representing Colorado State Patrol, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the benefits of the bill and responded to the court text reminder question.

Major David Aldridge, representing Colorado State Patrol, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed improved services and efficiencies. 

Mr James Karbach, representing Colorado state public defenders office, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed the bill's merits, including safety and decreasing opportunities for traffic stops to escalate. 

Senator Cooke presented and distributed Amendment L.001 regarding a technical change for uniformity (Attachment A). 

Senators Fields and Cooke made closing remarks.