81BBADE1DFFCCA3D8725823C00761251 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representative Benavidez, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 18-1040, concerning incentives to provide inmates with needed services.  Representative Benavidez explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.  Committee members received amendments L.001 (Attachment C) and L.002 (Attachment D).  Representative Benavidez responded to questions regarding the effect of the amendment, and what constitutes a "difficult to serve area" under the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding the provision of mental health treatment in the Department of Corrections. Representative Benavidez responded to further questions about amendment L.001, and the number of offenders denied parole based on their not receiving sex offender treatment.  Representative Benavidez responded to questions regarding the potential for relocating sex offenders to places where they could receive treatment.

Ms. Christina Rosendahl, representing the Department of Corrections, testified in opposition to HB 18-1040. Ms. Rosendahl explained why the solution provided by the bill to boost the number of sex offender treatment providers for prisons is not optimal.  Discussion ensued regarding efforts on the part of the Department of Corrections to address a shortage of sex offender treatment providers.  Ms. Rosendahl responded to questions regarding trends in sex offender treatment in the prisons, and what other similarly positioned states are doing to address sex offender treatment backlogs.

Ms. Rosendahl responded to questions regarding budgeting associated with hiring sex offender treatment providers.  Discussion ensued regarding the mandates in amendments to HB 18-1040 concerning the Department of Corrections.  Ms. Rosendahl responded to questions regarding the position of the department on amendments L.001 and L.002, and the ability of the department to provide sex offender treatment via electronic means.

Reverend Tina Yankee, representing the Colorado Council of Churches, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed efforts in the area of criminal justice reform.

Ms. Carrie Thompson, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of HB 18-1040.  She discussed the plight of offenders who are on the waiting list for sex offender treatment, and reform efforts in the area of sex offender treatment.

Ms. Maureen Cain, representing the Office of the State Public Defender, addressed questions raised during earlier testimony about the the sex offender population.  Ms. Cain responded to questions regarding how sex offender recidivism compares to the general prison population.

Discussion continued regarding recidivism rates for sex offenders in Colorado.

The committee discussed the merits of amendments L.001 and L.002, and the potential for amending amendment L.001.  The committee recessed.