1FCBDC2908772182872587D500633030 Hearing Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Members of the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) briefed the joint committee on the budgets for the departments over which the joint committee has oversight. The JBC Staff Budget Briefing Summary, FY 22-23, can be accessed here:  http://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/fy22-23brfsum-12-17-21.pdf

Representative McCluskie, JBC Chair, provided an overview of the Governor's budget proposal for FY 2022-23. Representative Herod, JBC member, briefed the joint committee on the Department of Corrections' budget request for FY 2022-23.

Committee members asked questions about the supplemental requests, prison caseloads, and increases in medical treatment and food. JBC members discussed the supplemental request, including staff and other shortages.

Representative Herod proceeded to discuss the Judicial Department, including infrastructure upgrades in technology, non-discretionary requests, and restoration. Discussion ensued regarding a budget request to enhance Judicial's information technology systems to include such features as remote court participation, as well as budget increases requested for additional administrative staff. Discussion followed regarding a request from Judicial to increase resources for court interpreters.

Representative Herod returned to briefing the joint committee on the Judicial Department FY 2022-23 budget request. Discussion ensued regarding funding for pretrial detention reform under House Bill 21-1280.

Representative Herod discussed the budget for the Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel and the Office of Public Guardianship. Discussion ensued regarding these offices. Representative Herod briefly discussed the budgets for the Department of Law and Department of Public Safety.