h_jud_2016a_2016-03-03t13:35:32z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/03/2016

01:36 PM -- HB16-1215



The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representatives McCann and Kagan, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 16-1215, concerning changing the statutory purposes of parole to successfully reintegrate parolees into society by providing enhanced supportive opportunities. Representative McCann explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Kagan discussed the process by which the bill was drafted. Discussion ensued regarding the tangible benefits of changing the definitions of the purposes of parole in previous legislation, and measures for showing these benefits. The following persons testified regarding HB 16-1215:



01:43 PM -- Mr. Doug Wilson, representing the Office of the State Public Defender and the Colorado Criminal and Juvenile Justice Commission (CCJJ), testified in support of the bill. Mr. Wilson discussed work performed on the bill by CCJJ, and the reasoning behind the commission's support of the bill. Mr. Wilson answered earlier questions about performance measures associated with previous attempts to address the definitions of parole.



01:46 PM -- Ms. Melissa Roberts, representing the Department of Corrections, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Roberts discussed the benefits of updating the purposes of parole.



01:48 PM -- Mr. Michael Dougherty, representing the First Judicial District and the Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in support of HB 16-1215. Mr. Dougherty addressed a question posed during earlier discussion, and discussed recidivism. Mr. Dougherty responded to questions regarding the prospective nature of the bill, and the ability of district attorneys to adjust to new parole purposes.





01:55 PM



No amendments were offered to HB 16-1215. Representatives McCann and Kagan provided closing remarks in support of the bill.





01:57 PM



The committee recessed.





01:59 PM



The committee returned to order.