H_JUD_2021A 04/27/2021 01:35:59 PM Committee Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Mullica, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 21-064, concerning criminalizing retaliation against an elected offical. Representative Mullica explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Mullica responded to questions regarding what constitutes harassment of an elected official under the bill, and the scope of the bill in terms of which elected officials are covered. Discussion ensued regarding charges levied and penalties assessed under the bill.

Steve O'Dorisio, representing the Adams County Board of County Commissioners, testified in support of SB 21-064. Commissioner O'Dorisio responded to questions regarding harassment he experienced, and how the bill may have impacted this case. Commissioner O'Dorisio responded to further questions regarding potential abuses of the bill, and what constitutes criminal harassment under the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the element of intent in harassment laws. Commissioner O'Dorisio responded to questions regarding a fact pattern that would invoke certain language in the bill. Discussion ensued on this point.

Discussion ensued regarding potential amendments to SB 21-064, first amendment jurisprudence, and harassment of elected officials generally. The chair laid over SB 21-064.

Representatives Snyder and Tipper, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 21-143, concerning the "Uniform Collaborative Law Act". Representative Snyder provided an overview of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Tipper provided additional input on the bill's operation. Representative Snyder responded to questions regarding statistics he cited pertaining to divorce and the use of the collaborative law process. Representative Tipper discussed language in the bill pertaining to domestic violence and the collaborative law process, and flexibility in this process.

Terri Harrington, representing Colorado Collaborative Law Professionals, testified in support of SB 21-143.

Meggin Rutherford, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding the process by which clients employ the collaborative law process, the interplay between collaborative law and mediation, and nonparty participants as referenced in the bill. Discussion followed regarding certain definitions in the bill, the number of states that have adopted the Uniform Collaborative Law Act, and the need for the bill in light of the fact that collaborative law is currently being practiced in Colorado. Ms. Harrington responded to questions regarding what happens when clients in the collaborative law process object to established agreements.

No amendments were offered to SB 21-143. The bill's prime sponsors provided closing remarks in support of the bill. Representatives Benavidez and Luck discussed the merits of the legislation.