353A37754185270887258399007189A0 Hearing Summary

Senator Fields, bill sponsor, explained SB19-071, concerning expanding the admission of out-of-court statements of a child.  She distributed a hand-out about the bill (Attachment A).

Amanda Gall, representing Colorado District Attorneys' Council (CDAC), testified in favor of the bill.  She explained that the bill expands the types of crimes that qualify for hearsay exceptions.  She discussed concerns about children testifying in court and having to face their abuser.  She noted other organizations that support the bill, such as the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault and the Office of the State Public Defender. 

Maggie Conboy, representing the Office of the Denver District Attorney, spoke in support of the measure.  She discussed the difficulties children face when taking the stand in the courtroom, and the importance of expanding the hearsay exception to other types of sexual offenses. 

Senator Fields distributed and presented Amendment L. 001 (Attachment B). Ms. Gall explained that it broadens certain definitions to include civil cases and pretrial.