BF0E1E9926599419872584FF00805449 Hearing Summary

The committee took a brief recess.

The committee returned to order. Representatives Lontine and Soper, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 20-1123, concerning a grace period before a court issues a failure to appear warrant. Committee members received a packet of written testimony (Attachment _). Representatives Soper and Lontine explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Lontine read some written testimony.

Dan May, representing the Fourth Judicial District, testified in opposition to HB 20-1123.

Amy Farrin, representing the Eighteenth Judicial District, testified in opposition to the bill.

Tim Lane, representing the Colorado District Attorney's Council, testified in opposition to the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding potential disruptions that the bill may cause to the courts, particularly in rural Colorado.

Judge Corrine Flannigan, representing the Colorado Municipal Judges Association, testified in opposition to HB 20-1123.

Judge Michael Martinez, representing the Judicial Branch, testified in opposition to the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding difficulties experienced in resetting court dates for those who fail to appear, and the administrative process associated with failures to appear in court.

Sheriff Justin Smith, representing the County Sheriffs of Colorado, testified in opposition to HB 20-1123.

Mr. Ron Sloan, representing the Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police, testified in opposition to the bill.

Meghan Dollar, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Richard Orf, representing the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding the rate of outstanding warrants and failures to appear.

Arnold Hanuman, representing the Colorado District Attorneys' Council, addressed comments made earlier.

Ms. Elisabeth Epps, representing the Colorado Freedom Fund and the ACLU, testified in support of HB 20-1123.

Mr. James Karbach, representing the Office of the State Public Defender, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Anna Vigderova, representing the Office of the State Public Defender, testified in support of the bill.

Tristan Gorman, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill.

Darren Cantor, representing the Office of Alternate Defense Counsel, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding legislation similar to HB 20-1123 adopted in other states.

Jamie Ray, representing the Second Chance Center, testified in support of HB 20-1123.

Ms. Terese Howard, representing Denver Homeless Out Loud, testified in support of the bill.

Mary Anna, representing Denver Homeless Out Loud, testified in support of the bill.

Eva Frickle, representing the Colorado Freedom Fund, testified in support of the bill.

Meghan Baker, representing Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of HB 20-1123.

Melanie Kesner, representing the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Abigail Negley, representing the Arc of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Miguel Mendez, representing the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in support of the bill.

Denise Maes, representing the ACLU, testified in support of HB 20-1123.

Rebecca Wallace, representing the ACLU, testified in support of the bill.

The chairman laid over HB 20-1123.