S_JUD_2021A 04/14/2021 10:01:11 AM Committee Summary

Senators Lundeen and Ginal, co-prime sponsors, explained House Bill 21-1075, concerning security protections for certain criminal justice system personnel.  The bill sponsors discussed doxxing and the need to address safety concerns for prison guards and other correctional personnel.

Committee members asked questions about the limited application of the bill.  Discussion followed about professions at greater risk of threats or physical harm.   

Further discussion ensued about public sector job retention. 

Brita Darling, Office of Legislative Legal Services, explained the protected persons category, as defined in the bill. 

Committee members asked about the bill's application to county jail corrections officers.  The bill sponsors discussed legislative intent.

Further questions were raised about the bill and correctional contractors, community corrections employees, and treatment providers.  Discussion followed about active threats and physical personal safety. 

Committee discussion ensued about the bill's application post-employment. 

Aaron Greco, legislative liaison with the Colorado Department of Corrections, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed staff threats.

General Sherrie Daigle , representing the Colorado Department of Corrections, testified in support of the bill. She discussed threats and protecting the addresses of correctional professionals.

Committee members asked questions about parole and treatment providers. 

Committee members discussed potential amendments and asked for the bill to be laid over. 

The bill sponsors expressed their willingness to amend the bill and follow-up with sponsors in the House.

The Chair laid over the bill to work on amendments. 

Senators Lundeen and Bridgesm co-prime sponsors, explained House Bill 21-1107, concerning protections for certain public health workers.  The senators discussed the urgency of the situation and answered questions about how long the provisions would stay in place. 

Committee discussion continued about online masking of identifying information and the breadth and scope of the bill. 

Committee members asked questions about the number of people covered under the bill.

Dr. John Douglas, representing Tri-County Health Department, testified in support of the bill.  He answered questions about the bill's application

Ms. Liane Jollon, representing San Juan Basin Public Health, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed threats and safety. 

Richard Orf, representing Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed civil servants and threats.

Hon. Emma Pinter, representing CCAT, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed the impact on local government. 

Committee members asked questions about the number of people protected under this policy. 

Senator Lee acknoweldged written testimony (Attachment A). 

Senators Lundeen and Bridges made closing remarks and stressed the bill's urgency. 

Senators Lee and Gardner, co-prime sponsor, explained House Bill 21-1165, concerning assistance for victims of strangulation who receive medical examinations.   They discussed medical forensic exams and victim compensation. 

Ms. Leanna PSG, representing Project Safeguard, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed strangulation and medical forensic exams. 

Ms. Melissa Bickford, representing self, testified in support of the bill. 

Lydia Waligorski, representing Violence Free Colorado, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed assessing injuries and federal legislation. 

Mrs Elyse Diewald, representing self, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed strangulation and domestic violence cases.

Senator Lee asked the committee to consider a conceptual amendment that substitutes the petition clause in the bill with a safety clause.

The chair acknowledged written testimony (Attachment B). 

Senators Lee and Gardner made closing remarks. 

Senators Gardner and Lee, co-prime sponsors, explained Hosue Bill 21-1136, concerning modifications to the policies governing judicial division retirees returning to temporary judicial duties, and in connection therewith, making an appropriation.  The bill sponsors discussed the backlog of cases in Colorado courts due to COVID-19 and the contributions of senior judges.

Ms Jeni Dees, representing Mama bears llc., testified in opposition to the bill.  She raised concerns about judicial corruption. 

Mr. Chris Forsyth, representing The Judicial Integrity Project, testified in opposition to the bill.  He raised concerns about oversight of senior judges and accountability. 

Committee members asked questions about how to address the court backlog. 

Discussion followed about judicial appointments and allocation formulas. 

Steven Vasconcellos, State Court Administrator, Judicial Branch, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed how the bill intends to address the court backlog with the use of senior judges. 

Committee members asked questions about resources and the judge appointment process. 

Written testimony can be in found in Attachment C. 

Committee discussion continued about contract judges, judicial appointments, and the jury trial backlog.