536D0799421DE5CD8725881D0078CDB2 Hearing Summary

Senators Gardner and Winter, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 22-183, concerning programs that provide services to crime victims. The bill sponsors explained the demand and increased need for victim services.  They also went over the proposed funding distributions, as outlined in the bill. 

Committee members asked questions about the decrease in federal funds. 

 

Ms. Gloria Cannady, representing World Outreach Prayer Warriors, testified to amend the bill.

Jason Vitello, representing self, testified to amend the bill. He recommended an amendment to address black, indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC).  

Terri House, representing Department of Public Health for Public Safety, testified to amend the bill.

Deputy Director Juston Cooper, representing Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, testified to amend the bill. He distributed a report from his organization about victim services and underserved communities.  The report can be read in its entirety here:  https://www.ccjrc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/CCJRC_Victim_Services_Report_2021.pdf.

Assistant District Attorney Amanda Gall, representing First Judicial District Attorney Alexis King, testified to amend the bill.

Discussion followed about decreased federal funds and shortfalls.  

 

Mrs Sylvia Ramos, representing Servicios de La Raza, testified in opposition to the bill. She discussed bilingual services.

Brie Franklin, representing Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, testified in support of the bill. She discussed funding shortfalls.

Kelly Kissell, representing Colorado Department of Public Safety - Division of Criminal Justice, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed federal Victim of Crime Act (VOCA) funds. 

The witnesses answered questions about victim services for underserved and minority communities. 

 

 

Ms. Beth Collins, representing Colorado Department of Human Services, Domestic Violence Program, testified in support of the bill.

Jenny Stith, representing WINGS Foundation Inc., testified in support of the bill.

Jennifer Eyl, representing Project Safeguard, testified in support of the bill.

Roshan Kalantar, representing Violence Free Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Amelia Lobo, representing Violence Free Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Nancy Lewis, representing Cova, testified in support of the bill.

Mari Dennis, representing Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Amanda Terrell-Orr, representing City of Colorado Springs, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Winter distributed and explained Amendment L.001 to update certain definitions (Attachment F). 

Committee members asked questions about the amendment. 

 

Senator Winter distribute and explained Amendment L.002 about allowable funding uses (Attachment G). 

The bill sponsors made closing statements.