s_jud_2017a_2017-04-12t13:35:52z1 Hearing Summary

Date: 04/12/2017

Location: SCR 352

01:39 PM -- SB17-277



Senator Marble, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 17-277, concerning the application of foreign laws in Colorado courts. She provided opening remarks on the bill. Senator Gardner distributed and explained amendment L.001 (Attachment A). Senator Marble distributed and explained amendment L.002 (Attachment B).



17SenateJud0412AttachA.pdf 17SenateJud0412AttachB.pdf



01:48 PM



Senator Marble responded to questions from Senator Kagan concerning the bill's provisions and the effect of the bill on the enforcement of U.S. Supreme Court decisions in Colorado.





01:58 PM



Senator Marble and the committee continued discussing the applicability of the bill to specific situations.



02:11 PM -- Mr. John Chanin, representing the Anti-Defamation League, testified in opposition to the bill. He stated that the bill was redundant and unnecessary. Mr. Chanin responded to questions concerning specific language in the bill, and court decisions that may have given rise to bills similar to SB 17-277.



02:21 PM -- Ms. Iman Jodeh, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. She discussed Sharia law, and the basis for laws in the United States and elsewhere. Senator Gardner commented; Ms. Jodeh responded.



02:27 PM -- Mr. Bob Berry, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Berry discussed the U.S. Constitution, and motivations for the bill. He responded to questions concerning the effect of the bill on arbitrations and other forms of decision making. Senator Gardner commented on the applicability of the bill.



02:34 PM -- Mr. Bob Lewis, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He discussed court opinions, their impact, and the authority of judges. He responded to questions about the reasons for not permitting the use of foreign law, whether any courts have used foreign laws to make decisions, and Colorado's laws concerning choice of law.



02:43 PM -- Mr. Dan Egeland, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He discussed his experiences involving courts and arbitrations. Mr. Egeland read the testimony of Ms. Hertha Hennessey (Attachment C). Senator Kagan commented on Ms. Hennessey's testimony.



17SenateJud0412AttachC.pdf



02:49 PM -- Mr. Abdi Rashid, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He stated the benefits of U.S. law, and positives of American society.



02:53 PM -- Mr. Bill Eigles, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He discussed transnationalism. Mr. Eigles discussed the goal of SB 17-277, laws in other countries, and free speech rights. He responded to questions concerning the applicability of the bill, and existing law, and commented on the possibility of an amendment.





03:02 PM



Senator Marble provided closing remarks on the bill. Senator Kagan explained his position on the bill.