31CF163EDC111CE8872586930077F485 Hearing Summary

Representatives Duran and Rich, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 21-1179, concerning the creation of the "Uniform Recognition and Enforcement of Canadian Domestic Violence Protection Orders Act". Representative Duran explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Duran responded to questions regarding her support for the bill.

The following persons testified regarding HB 21-1179:

Lindsay Beaver, representing the Uniform Law Commission, testified in support of the bill.

Lydia Waligorski, representing Violence Free Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Beaver responded to questions regarding the difference in burden of proof for domestic violence cases in Canada as compared to the United States, and enforcement of expired domestic violence protection orders under the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the bill's enforcement mechanisms on the part of law enforcement officers. Ms. Waligorski responded to questions regarding enforcement of domestic violence protection orders from other jurisdictions in Colorado. Discussion ensued regarding the overall intent of the bill. Discussion returned to how local law enforcement will enforce the provisions of the bill, including how law enforcement would verify the validity of a Canadian protection order. Ms. Waligorski responded to questions regarding how a hypothetical fact pattern would be treated under current law as compared to under HB 21-1179.

No amendments were offered to HB 21-1179. The bill sponsors provided closing remarks in support of the bill. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.