s_jud_2016a_2016-02-08t13:32:59z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/08/2016

03:03 PM -- SB16-065



Senator Steadman presented Senate Bill 16-065, concerning criminal restitution. Senator Steadman discussed a 2014 audit by the Office of State Auditor of the criminal restitution system (2014 OSA audit) that gave rise to the bill. Senator Steadman provided the committee with statistics relating to interest on restitution payments, and explained specific provisions in the bill. Senator Steadman explained amendments that he planned to introduce to the committee when appropriate.





03:13 PM



Senator Steadman continued to explain his amendments. He and Senator Cooke discussed a driver's license revocation provision.



03:18 PM -- Ms. Catrice Thomas, representing Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her perspective as a social worker and her father's experience as a victim of crime. She stated costs that she incurred as a relative of a victim, and asked the committee to consider victim's costs.



03:21 PM -- Mr. Matt Strauch, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Stauch discussed his experience concerning paying restitution and how interest accrues on the amount that he owes.



03:26 PM -- Ms. Terri Hurst, representing Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Hurst relayed some stories that she heard regarding restitution payments.



03:29 PM -- Mr. George Brauchler, District Attorney for the 18th Judicial District, and representing the Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Brauchler stated that the interest rate should change, and then explained his objections to specific provisions of the bill.



03:35 PM -- Mr. Hassan Latif, representing Second Chance Center, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Latif discussed earlier testimony. He also addressed issues and challenges facing convicted persons following incarceration, and recidivism rates.



03:42 PM -- Mr. Scott Turner, representing the Colorado Attorney General's Office, testified in opposition to the bill. Mr. Turner stated concerns regarding prosecutors negotiating interest on criminal restitution amounts.



03:45 PM -- Ms. Violet Pierce, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Pierce explained the circumstances of a particular client.



03:46 PM -- Ms. Allison Boyd, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. She stated that restitution, and interest on restitution, is important to victims, and that there has been an increase in restitution collected since the 2014 OSA audit. She explained what is and is not included in amounts of restitution owed. She explained her opposition to specific provisions in the bill. In response to the committee, Ms. Boyd discussed restitution owed from decedent's estates.



03:51 PM -- Ms. Tracy Renner, representing the State Public Defender's Office, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the 2014 OSA audit. Ms. Renner explained her support for specific provisions of the bill and explained the difference between pre- and post-interest restitution.



03:56 PM -- Mr. Philip Smith, representing himself, testified in support for the bill. He stated specific provisions of the bill that he supports.



04:01 PM -- Ms. Maureen Cain, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Institute, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Cain expressed support for an amendment that would permit the reinstatement of driver's licenses for those who owe restitution. Ms. Cain responded to a question regarding driver's licenses.



04:04 PM -- Ms. Hannah Proff, representing the Colorado Juvenile Defender Center, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Proff discussed situations where juveniles were ordered to pay restitution.





04:08 PM



Senator Steadman provided closing remarks. Senator Roberts laid the bill over for action at a future meeting.