CDD24CCD13D86729872583A1007C7148 Hearing Summary

Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 19-1149, concerning directing the Age of Delinquency Task Force of the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice to study serving emerging adults in the juvenile justice system. Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Committee members received a pre-amended version of the bill (Attachment C).

The following persons testified regarding HB 19-1149:

Ms. Tristan Gorman, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Gorman discussed the phenomenon of young adults appearing before courts who are not yet fully cognitively developed.

Ms. Jessica Jones, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Jones recounted a case involving a defendant who was not yet cognitively developed when he committed a crime, but developed while in the judicial process. She explained that the bill will help reduce recidivism.

Ms. Priscilla Gartner, representing the Office of the State Public Defender, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Gartner explained how the bill would conform with current jurisprudence and science. She noted other states that have extended juvenile court jurisdiction. Ms. Jones responded to questions regarding the ability of the task force charged with conducting a study under the bill to complete it within one year. Discussion ensued on this point. Discussion followed regarding the fiscal impact of the bill.

Ms. Meg Williams, representing the Division of Criminal Justice within the Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Williams discussed the state of science with respect to youth and young adult brain development, and the impact of brain development on crime and incarceration.

Mr. Terry Scanlon, representing the Judicial Branch, testified in support of the bill. Committee members received a fact sheet supporting the bill (Attachment D). Mr. Scanlon discussed the benefits of studying youth brain development. Mr. Aaron Carpenter, Legislative Council Staff, discussed the process by which the bill's fiscal note was formulated. Mr. Carpenter responded to questions regarding the time frame for the study, as outlined in the fiscal note. Discussion ensued on this point.

Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez explained the effect of amendment L.002 (Attachment E).

Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez provided closing remarks in support of HB 19-1149.