S_JUD_2022A 02/17/2022 03:08:31 PM Committee Summary

Senators Cooke and Hansen, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 22-055, concerning increased alcohol monitoring for impaired driving offenders.   The bill sponsors discussed interlock devices, the need for the bill, and its merits.

Committee members asked questions about the increase in drunk/drugged driving fatalities and arrests, and repeat offenses.  Further discussion ensued about current law requiring 30 days with no driving, followed by eligibility for an interlock device, for driving under the influence.    

Mr. Howard Small, representing self, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed interlock devices and preventative measures.

Ms. Clara Shelton, representing self, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed stopping the cycle of repeat offenses. 

Mr. Fran Lanzer, representing Mothers Against Drunk Driving Colorado, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed the stakeholder process and answered questions about interlock devices, associated costs, and the one-month waiting period.

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

Committee members discussed a shift in public policy about driving. 

Mr. Matthew Law, representing Smart Start, testified in a neutral position on the bill.  He discussed remote alcohol monitoring options.  He provided a copy of his testimony (Attachment A). 

Committee members asked questions about installation and monthly fees for interlock devices. 

Senator Cooke distributed and explained Amendment L. 001 about the offender services fund (Attachment B). 

Committee members remarked about the bill's common sense approach, and the sponsors made brief closing remarks. 

Senator Winter, bill sponsor, explained Senate Bill 22-100, concerning changes to the domestic violence fatality review board statutes. 

Committee members asked questions about the board's funding mechanisms. 

Mrs Moira Sharkey, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She recommended changes to the board for maximum effect. 

Gerald Rafferty, representing self, testified to amend the bill. He discussed judicial training for domestic violence cases. 

Amelia Lobo, representing Violence Free Colorado, testified in support of the bill. She discussed annual reports and useful data to her organization. 

Shalyn Kettering, representing Department of Law, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed oversight of the Domestic Violence Review Board, judicial training, and other evidence-based tools to assess risk. 

Committee members asked questions about local fatality review boards and other opportunities for collaboration.  Further questions were asked about domestic violence statistics.

Jefferey Riester, representing Department of Law, was available to answer committee questions. He discussed the fiscal note. 

Senator Winter presented Amendment L. 003 regarding data collection and other technical changes to sunset reviews (Attachment C). 

Senator Winter distributed and presented Amendment L. 004 about proactive outreach to underserved communities (Attachment D).

Committee members remarked about the importance of the board. 

Senator Winter made closing remarks.