40E24ADF43E55E08872582870073E0C4 Hearing Summary

Representative Singer, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-263, concerning the creation of a pilot program to allow for court approval of treatment medications in jails.  Representative Singer explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.  Committee members received a fact sheet supporting the bill (Attachment B), and the written testimony of Michael Stafford (Attachment C) and Tanya Belknap (Attachment D).

Dr. Patricia Westmoreland, representing the Colorado Psychiatric Association, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Sasha Rai, representing the Denver County Jail, testified in support of SB 18-263. Dr. Rai explained how those in jail with mental health issues compound their circumstances without medication. He responded to questions regarding how the bill will help with the processing of such individuals. Ms. Dea Wheeler, representing Boulder County, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Wheeler discussed assaults and suicide attempts by those in county jail, and explained how the administration of medication would help to ameliorate such situations. Ms. Jackie Zheleznyak, representing Denver Health, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the need to provide psychiatric and mental health services to those in jail on a pilot basis.  Ms. Wheeler responded to questions regarding the services to be provided under the pilot program created by the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the merits of providing mental health services on an involuntary basis.

Mr. Doug Wilson, State Public Defender, testified in opposition to the bill. Committee members received a handout on the side effects of Haldol (Attachment E). Mr. Wilson explained the circumstances under which the detainees to be involuntarily treated under SB 18-263 would undergo the treatment. Ms. Gina Shimeall, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Shimeall discussed the research surrounding forced medication in a non-therapeutic environment, and the difference between treatment in a jail and a hospital. Ms. Carrie Thompson, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Thompson explained that the involuntary treatment to be provided under the bill should be in a hospital setting. Ms. Valerie Schlect, representing the Colorado Cross-disability Coalition, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Schlect discussed the side effects of psychiatric medications, which may be unsafe in a jail setting. She also discussed the potential outcomes of misdiagnoses. Committee members received a spreadsheet showing data on certain criminal cases involving mental health issues (Attachment F). Mr. Wilson responded to questions regarding potential constitutional issues associated with involuntary mental health treatment. Discussion ensued about prioritizing the acute population.

Ms. Camille Harding, representing the Department of Human Services, testified in support of the bill.  Ms. Cristen Bates representing the Department of Human Services and Mr. Michael Stafford, representing the City and County of Denver, also testified in support of the bill.

Representative Singer explained the effect of amendment L.004 (Attachment G).

Representative Singer explained the effect of amendment L.005 (Attachment H).