0337F712A37D4327872583B300725522 Hearing Summary

Senator Gonzales, co-prime sponsor, explained HB19-1148 concerning changing the maximum jail sentence for certain crimes from one year to three hundred sixty four days.  Senator Lee noted that Senator Coram, the other co-prime sponsor of the bill, could not make the hearing. 

Senator Gonzales continued to explain that the bill addresses a deportation issue triggered by a 365 day statutory sentence, regardless if a shorter sentence was served.  She described how the bill would also provide for court efficiencies. 

Eric Johnson, representing the Colorado Bar Association, spoke in support of the bill.  He discussed how the bill will assist with court efficiency.  He answered questions about deportation and the benefits of having a statewide law with a shorter sentence for these types of misdemeanors.  He noted that Colorado is in the minority of states with such harsh penalties for misdemeanor crimes that trigger deportation. 

Hans Meyer, representing himself as an immigration attorney, spoke in support of the bill. He stressed that the bill provides a modest sentencing reform to avoid deportation for minor crimes. He explained how the bill will help the court operate more efficiently and addressed plea bargains.