467761C9A70E383087258258006C4A8A Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representatives Hooton and Van Winkle, prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 18-055, concerning the Crimes Against Children Surcharge in cases involving trafficking of children.  Committee members received a fact sheet on the bill, prepared by Andi Leopoldus (Attachment B). Representative Van Winkle introduced the bill and explained its effect. Representative Hooton discussed the need for the legislation. Representative Van Winkle responded to questions regarding the ability of courts to collect the Crimes Against Children Surcharge from offenders. Discussion ensued on this point.

Ms. Sarah Bhagwandin, representing the Colorado Women's Bar Association, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Bhagwandin spoke in support of amendment L.002 (Attachment C). Discussion ensued regarding the ability to collect the bill's surcharge from offenders, and the burden of proof for documenting indigency on the part of offenders.

Ms. Diana Goldberg, representing the Colorado Children's Alliance, testified in support of SB 18-055. Ms. Goldberg explained how the bill will assist exploited children. Ms. Goldberg responded to questions regarding how her organization handles cases where children have been victims of human trafficking, and noted the amount of money transferred to service organizations from the Crimes Against Children Surcharge. She responded to further questions regarding the funding sources for her organization, and the efficiency of her organization in serving clients.

Ms. Goldberg responded to questions regarding the order in which various surcharges are collected from an offender.

Mr. Jeff Hunt, representing Colorado Christian University, testified in support of SB 18-055. Mr. Hunt discussed the types of crimes associated with the bill's surcharge. Mr. Hunt responded to questions regarding the work that the university undertakes in the area of human trafficking.

Mr. Chris Creighton, Legislative Council Staff, responded to questions regarding the fiscal impact of SB 18-055. Representative Van Winkle reiterated the intent of the legislation. Discussion ensued regarding the amount of money generated by the Crimes Against Children Surcharge.

Ms. Andi Leopoldus, representing several children's advocacy centers, testified on SB 18-055. She provided an overview of the funding arrangements for these centers.

Representative Hooton responded to questions regarding the source and intent of amendment L.002.

Ms. Sara Odendahl, representing the Colorado Women's Bar Association, explained the intent of amendment L.002, and responded to questions regarding codifying indigency instead of using current judicial practice. Mr. Richard Sweetman, Office of Legislative Legal Services, responded to questions regarding the effect of the amendment on an indigency determination.

Discussion ensued regarding the scope of funding collection under SB 18-055. Chairman Lee laid the bill over for future action.