48ACBEFB906B40BA872583E5006BF361 Hearing Summary

Representatives Benavidez and Carver, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 19-036, concerning requiring the state court administrator to administer a program to remind criminal defendants to appear in court as scheduled. Representative Benavidez explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Carver provided additional input on the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the scope of programming created under the bill, and reporting requirements. Discussion followed regarding the need for the program.

The following persons testified regarding SB 19-036:

Mr. Michael Neil, representing the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Denise Maes, representing the ACLU, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the benefits of the bill in terms of jail overcrowding.

Ms. Elisabeth Epps, representing the Colorado Freedom Fund, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Epps related that those facing a court date are most in need of a ride and a court reminder. She addressed questions raised during earlier testimony.

Ms. Rebecca Wallace, representing the ACLU, testified in support of the bill. Committee members received a fact sheet supporting the bill (Attachment A). She explained why a court reminder program is needed at the state level.

Mr. Chris Ryan, representing the Judicial Department, testified in support of the bill. He addressed issues raised during earlier discussion. Discussion ensued regarding the bill's reporting requirements, and various legislative efforts seeking to reduce jail overcrowding. Discussion followed regarding the scope and cost of the bill's pilot programming, and the technology platform used for the programming.

The committee discussed the merits of SB 19-036.