0178A65BD99864D28725869C0075618D Hearing Summary

Senator Lee, sponsor, explained Senate Bill 21-124, concerning the creation of a class 2 felony offense when the death of a person is caused by a participant without deliberation in the course of the commission of specified felony offenses.  He discussed proportionate punishment, strict liability crimes, and culpability. 

Ms. Colette Tvedt, representing Colorado Criminal Defense Bar (CCDB), testified in support of the bill. She discussed culpability, intention, and judicial discretion. 

Tristan Gorman, representing CCDB, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed penalties, juries, and judicial discretion. 

Hand-outs from the CCDB were distributed about the bill (Attachment H). 

Beth McCAnn, District Attorney for the City and County of Denver, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed equity and punishment.  

Mr. Christian Champagne, representing the 6th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, testified to amend the bill.  He discussed sentencing statutes. 

Amanda Gall, representing the Colorado Districy Attorneys' Council, testified in support of the bill on behalf of a number district attorneys across the state, including Alexis King (1st Judicial District) and Michael Dougherty (20th Judicial District)

Mr Brian Mason, representing 17th Judicial District Attorney's Office, testified in support of the bill. He discussed culpability and sentencing. 

John Kellner, representing 18th Judicial DA's Office, testified in opposition to the bill. He discussed homicides rates and disincentives.  

Ms. Jennifer Viehman, representing 4th Judicial District Attorney's Office, testified in opposition to the bill.

The witnesses answered questions from the committee about victims, witnesses, sentencing ranges, and disincentives. 

Jeff Johnson, representing self, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed spending time in prison for accompanying someone who committed a murder unbeknownst to him.

Mr. Curtis Brooks, representing self, testified in support of the bill. He discussed being a homeless youth and getting caught up in a crime that escalated.

Mrs. Robinette Hoppin, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her experience as a juror on a felony murder case and the emotional toll. 

The witness panel answered questions from the committee. 

Ms. Natalie Cisco, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Professor Aya Gruber, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She discussed criminal intent and liability.

Professor Ian Farrell, representing self, testified in support of the bill. He discussed current felony murder law in a comparative context.

Melanie Kesner, representing Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, testified in support of the bill on behalf of Rev Corbin Tobey-Davis.

Greg McDonald, representing Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked questions about disincentives and crime.  

Sarah Varty, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She discussed culpability.

Mr. Luke McConnell, representing Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill. He spoke to some of the points raised in opposition testimony. 

Mr. Philip Cherner, representing Sam Cary Bar Association, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the disproportionate representation of people of color in the criminal justice system. 

Ms. Misty Rubi, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Lindsay Saunders-Velez , representing Colorado Justice Advocacy Network, testified in support of the bill.

Amy Kafuuma, representing Above Waters Project, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Lee distributed and explained Amendment L.002 (Attachment I). 

Senator Lee made closing remarks.

Committee members explained their reasons in support or opposition to the bill. 

Submitted written testimony about the bill is included in Attachment J.