S_JUD_2024A 01/31/2024 01:38:30 PM Committee Summary

Raechel Alderete, Program Coordinator, and Kimberly Kline, Chair of the Sex Offender Management Board (SOMB), discussed the mission and origin of the SOMB.  They provided further updates about recent reporting requirements and data collection projects. 

Committee members asked questions about repercussions for failing a treatment program, sunset reviews, and treatment availability in prison. 

Ms. Jessica Dotter, representing Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in support of the SOMB. She emphasized victim-centered treatment approaches and standards. 

Ms. Casey Ballinger, representing themself, testified about the SOMB and survivor support.

Michelle Simmons, representing Sex Offender Management Board, testified about the SOMB and its services to victims. 

Ms. Laurie Kepros, representing Office of the State Public Defender & Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, raised concerns about the SOMB and its track record. 

Committee members asked questions to the panel about SOMB goals and objectives.  Discussion ensued about recommendations for improvements and outcome or progress measurements.  Committee members asked if similar results or outcomes could be achieved without the SOMB. 

Ms. Kelsey Harbert, representing themself, testified about indeterminate sentencing. 

Mr. Taber Powers, representing themself, testified about the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the treatment field. 

Jessica Meza, representing themself, testified about translations services and the benefits of a more diverse pool of  treatment providers. 

The 2024 SOMB Annual Legislative Report may be accessed here:

https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/somb_2024_annual_legislative_report_fv.pdf

Jessica Fann, member of the Domestic Violence Offender Management Board (DVOMB), provided an overview of the board and its duties.

Dr. Rachael Collie, Office of Domestic Violence and Sex Offender Manager Board statistical analyst, presented findings from the 2024 annual report, found here: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/dvomb_2024_annual_legislative_report_fv.pdf.

Jesse Hansen, Program Coordinator, discussed the report referenced above and other board duties.

Questions were asked to the panel about high potency cannibas and medical marijuana.

Ms. Lindsey Spraker, representing themself, testified about House Bill 24-1101, empower victims through access restorative justice, and raised concerns about restorative justice for domestic violence cases. 

Mr. Philippe Marquis, representing themself, testified about the benefits of domestic violence related therapy and raised issues about restorative justice for this population.

Ms.Andrea Bradbury, representing herself, supported the DVOMB and voiced concerns about restorative justice. 

Chair Weissman clarified the restorative justice bill is not being heard at this time. 

Dr. Libby Stuyt, representing themself, testified about high potency marijuana and relationship to domestic violence.

Mr. Taber Powers, representing themself, testified in support of the DVOMB.

Ms. Erin Gazelka, representing themself, testified in support of the DVOMB.

Committee members asked questions about high potency marijuana and prescriptions.  

Elizabeth Ramey, Principal Economist, Legislative Council Staff, presented a corrections population forecast.  The presentation slides are posted here: https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/ramey_-_2024_joint_judiciary_corrections_populations.pdf.

Committee discussion followed about bills that have helped slow prison population growth.   Conversation continued about the Department of Corrections supplemental budget request.  Questions were asked about technical violations and error rates in prison population forecasts. 

Ms. Ramey proceeded to discuss the youth corrections population projections. 

Committee members asked about the role of crime statistics or case filings in forecasts.  Further conversation followed about budget requests in relation to the prison population.