S_JUD_2022A 03/16/2022 10:20:30 AM Committee Summary

Senator Lee, bill sponsor, explained House Bill 22-1208, concerning changes to jail data collection requirements, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation.  

Mr. Jack Reed, representing Colorado Department of Public Safety, was available to answer committee questions.

Dr Sharon Anable, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

The bill sponsor made closing remarks. 

Senators Moreno and Gardner, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 22-1038, concerning client-directed legal representation for youth in court proceedings for youth.  The bill sponsors discussed client-directed legal representation and a child-centered approach to court proceedings.

Samantha Little, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Chris Henderson, representing the Office of the Child's Representative, testified in support of the bill.

Melanie Jordan, representing Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel, testified in support of the bill. She discussed client-directed representation. 

Ms. Gretchen Russo, representing Colorado Dept of Human Services, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked questions abut immigration status and unaccompanied refugees. 

The Chair referenced a packet of material in support of the measure distributed by Ms. Russo (Attachment A).

Kim Dvorchak, representing the National Association of Counsel for Children, testified in support of the measure.  She discussed model acts and rules that support client directed counsel.

Committee members discussed the best interest of the child and confidential attorney-client privilege.  

Benjamin Teevan, representing Fostering Colorado and Colorado Association of Family & Children’s Agencies, testified in support of the bill.

Makita Cotto, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the benefits of youth focused representation.

Senator Moreno distributed and presented Amendment L. 004 (Attachment B). 

The bill sponsors made closing remarks.

Senator Zenzinger, sponsor, presented House Bill 22-1245, concerning clarifications related to the foster youth in transition program.  She discussed that the bill provides technical clean-ups to the program and clarifies other elements, such as court authority and judicial findings.

 

 

Kristin Melton, representing Colorado Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed petition requirements and clarity about where to file.  

Ashley Chase, representing Colorado Office of the Child's Representative, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Zenzinger made closing remarks.

Senator Zenzinger explained House Bill 22-1250, concerning nonsubstantive changes to Title 7 of Colorado Revised Statutes. 

Senators Lee and Gardner, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 22-1211, concerning the continuation of the committee on juvenile justice reform, and in connection therewith, implementing the recommendation contained in the 2021 sunset report by the department of regulatory agencies to sunset the committee on juvenile justice reform. 

The bill sponsors explained reasons for continuing the committee and extending the repeal date. 

Joe Thome, representing CO Division of Criminal Justice, Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Gardner distributed and presented Amendment L.004 about extending the repeal date (Attachment C).

The bill sponsors made closing remarks.