7AC13A86B9A22C6D8725869A00805ABB Hearing Summary

Representatives Tipper and Gonzales-Gutierrez, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 21-1201, concerning transparency of penal communications service providers in correctional facilities. Representative Gonzales-Gutierrez explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Tipper provided additional input on the bill, and explained some differences between HB 21-1201 and similar legislation from a previous year.

The following persons testified regarding HB 21-1201:

Amber Johnson, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Kelly Brasier, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

James Anthony, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Helen Griffiths, representing the ACLU, testified in support of the bill.

Aaron Greco, representing the Department of Corrections, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding the benefits of "normalization" within the prison system, including increasing communication between offenders and families. Discussion followed regarding the amount of money involved in offender phone calls.

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

Elisabeth Epps, representing the Colorado Freedom Fund, testified in support of HB 21-1201.

Kristen Seidel, representing the Women's Lobby of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Jamie Ray, representing the Second Chance Center, testified in support of the bill.

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The bill sponsors provided closing remarks in support of HB 21-1201. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.