0499C484AA0F11E387258995006C1A11 Hearing Summary

The committee was called to order.  A quorum was present.  Representatives Duran and Weissman, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 23-1222, concerning the jurisdiction of municipal courts to hear domestic violence offenses.  Representative Weissman explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.  Representative Weissman provided further input on the bill's merits, and described the effect of some forthcoming amendments.  Representative Weissman responded to questions regarding the level of severity of domestic violence cases heard in municipal courts, and the fiscal impact of the bill.  Discussion ensued regarding the application of the bill in home-rule cities.

Lydia Waligorski, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Kerry Tipper, representing the City and County of Denver, testified to amend the bill.

Marley Bordovsky, representing the City and County of Denver, was available to answer committee questions.

Brian Poggenklass, representing the City of Westminster, testified to amend the bill. Ms. Tipper and Ms. Bordovsky responded to questions regarding the City and County of Denver's potential need for additional resources if HB 23-1222 passes, and disparate treatment of domestic violence cases across various jurisdictions. Ms. Bordovsky responded to further questions regarding relinquishment of firearms in domestic violence cases. Ms. Waligorski responded to questions regarding data-sharing requirements in the bill.

Judge Corin Flannigan, representing Colorado Municipal Judges Association, testified to amend the bill.

Rebecca Wallace, representing Colorado Freedom Fund, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Eileen McCarron, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Wallace responded to questions regarding court procedure violations by municipal courts, and the impact of some forthcoming amendments to HB 23-1222.

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

Ms. Emily Tofte Nestaval, representing Rocky Mountain Victim Law Center, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Duran explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment A). Representative Weissman explained the effect of amendment L.002 (Attachment B).

Representative Weissman responded to questions regarding the positions of certain stakeholders on the amendments to HB 23-1222, and the stakeholding process on the bill. Representative Duran provided additional input on these questions.

Representatives Weissman and Duran provided closing remarks in support of HB 23-1222. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.