h_jud_2017a_2017-03-28t11:48:19z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/28/2017

Location: HCR 0112

01:34 PM -- SB17-051



The committee returned to order. Representatives Lawrence and Foote, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 17-051, concerning the rights of crime victims. Representative Lawrence explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need, while Representative Foote discussed the stakeholder process in creating the legislation and provided further input on the bill's merits. The following persons testified regarding the bill:



01:38 PM -- Ms. Kelly Kissell, representing the Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Kissell further discussed the stakeholder process and the effect of the bill. Ms. Kissell responded to questions regarding the commitment of certain individuals determined to be insane for committing crimes, and notification of victims when sentences are commutated. Ms. Kissell responded to further questions regarding how the bill's provisions were aggregated by the department, and collaborations among various state agencies on the bill.



01:49 PM -- Ms. Nancy Lewis, representing the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, testified in support of the bill.



01:50 PM -- Ms. Kaya Anderson, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Anderson discussed her predation by a stalker, and explained how this situation gave rise to certain provisions in SB 17-051.



01:56 PM -- Ms. Lydia Waligorski, representing the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence, testified in support of the bill.



01:57 PM -- Ms. Maureen Cain, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified against one section of the bill, and explained her position on this section. Ms. Cain responded to questions regarding certain extraneous situations that might be negatively impacted by the bill, and the relationship between the victim and district attorney in a criminal case.





02:09 PM



Ms. Cain continued to respond to questions regarding her position on a section in SB 17-051.



02:18 PM -- Mr. Tim Johnson, representing himself and the Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in support of the bill. He further discussed the situation of Ms. Kaya Anderson, and the need for certain provisions in the legislation. Mr. Johnson explained the need for the provision in the bill opposed by Ms. Cain. Mr. Johnson responded to questions regarding the potential for a victim to oppose sequestration.



02:30 PM -- Ms. Emily Tofte Nestaval, representing the Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Tofte Nestaval addressed the issue of sequestration, as covered by the legislation. Discussion ensued on the issue.



02:37 PM -- Mr. Scott Turner, representing the Attorney General's Office, testified in support of SB 17-051. Mr. Turner discussed the genesis of the legislation.



02:38 PM -- Mr. Scott Dauffenbach, representing the Department of Corrections, testified on the bill from a technical perspective. He provided background on the Interstate Corrections Compact, and responded to questions regarding the review process associated with the compact.



02:44 PM -- Ms. Peg Ackerman, representing the County Sheriffs of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.





02:45 PM



Representative Foote explained the effect of amendments L.005 (Attachment B), L.006 (Attachment C), and L.007 (Attachment D).



17HouseJud0328AttachB.pdf 17HouseJud0328AttachC.pdf



17HouseJud0328AttachD.pdf

02:50 PM



Representatives Foote and Lawrence provided closing remarks in support of SB 17-051. Various committee members provided input on the legislation.

02:53 PM



The committee recessed.