S_JUD_2023A 03/13/2023 02:53:00 PM Committee Summary

Alec Garnett, Chief of Staff for Governor Polis, introduced Moses Stancil, nominee for the Executive Director of the Department of Corrections (DOC).  

Mr. Stancil described his experience, interest, and qualifications for the Executive Director position. 

Committee members asked questions to the nominee about DOC staffing and budget. 

Senator Jaquez Lewis, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 23-1172, concerning changes to child welfare proceedings.   She discussed the need and merits of the bill. 

Emily Hanson, representing Co. Dept. of Human Services, testified in support of the bill.

Katie Smith, representing City & County of Denver, testified in support of the bill.

Melanie Jordan, representing Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel, testified in support of the bill.

Sheri Danz, representing Office of the Child's Representative, testified in support of the bill.

 

The bill sponsor made closing comments.

Senator Gonzales, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 23-1037, concerning awarding earned time to nonviolent offenders who complete an accredited higher education program.   She discussed education and recidivism rates. 

Senator Gonzales distributed and explained Amendments L.006 and L.007 (Attachments A and B).  Amendment L.006 directs program savings to higher education, and L. 007 limits the program to six higher education institutions.

Committee members asked questions about the bill and amendments. 

 

 

Matthew Server, representing Colorado Catholic Conference, testified in support of the bill. He discussed education as an effective recidivism reduction tool. 

Christie Donner, representing CCJRC, testified in support of the bill.

Jim Bullington, representing Adams State University, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Lauren Reed, representing Adams State University Prison Education Program, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked questions about limiting the program to six higher education institutions. 

 

Mr. Charles Holt, representing Center for Employment Opportunities, testified in support of the bill.

Chris Zoukis, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Gonzales recapped Amendments L.006 and L.007 (Attachments A and B).

The committee discussed a conceptual amendment to change a date in Amendment L.007 from September 31, 2023, to September 30, 2023.

 

 

Senator Gonzales made closing remarks.

Committee members made closing remarks.