2922D0E88230E14B872586B0007A7593 Hearing Summary

Representative Weissman, prime sponsor, presented 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. Representative Weissman explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.

The following persons testified regarding SB 21-124:

Tristan Gorman, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill.

Colette Tvette, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding the penalties that would be assessed for a felony murder conviction under the bill, and a theoretical fact pattern that might invoke the bill's mandates.

Amanda Gall, representing the First Judicial District Attorney Alexis King, testified in support of SB 21-124.

Christian Champagne, Sixth Judicial District Attorney, testified in support of the bill.

Brian Mason, Seventeenth Judicial District Attorney, testified in support of the bill.

Beth McCann, Fourth Judicial District Attorney representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Michael Allen, Fourth Judicial District Attorney, testified in opposition to SB 21-124.

John Kellner, Eighteenth Judicial District Attorney, testified in opposition to the bill.

Jeff Johnson, representing himself, testified in support of SB 21-124.

Curtis Brooks, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Robinette Hoppin, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ian Farrell, representing himself, testified in support of SB 21-124.

Aya Gruber, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Corbin Tobey-Davis, representing the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding instances where felony murder charges are levied against a sole perpetrator in a crime. Professor Farrell clarified the effect of the bill.

Sarah Varty, representing herself, testified in support of SB 21-124.

Luke McConnell, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill.

Philip Cherner, representing the Sam Cary Bar, testified in support of the bill.

No amendments were offered to SB 21-124. Representative Weissman provided closing remarks in support of the bill. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.