50C1BA7688FEF13087258955008249E8 Hearing Summary

Senator Buckner, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 23-039, concerning measures to reduce family separation caused by a parent's detention.   She explained that the bill includes family engagement meetings, family time options, and parental treatment plans, among other things.  She emphasized the bill does not require family contact if unsafe or if there is a protection order. 

Ms. Shawna Geiger, representing Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel, testified in support of the bill. She discussed a framework for family participation. 

Ms. Jamie Ray, representing Second Chance Center, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed the importance of parental relationships. 

Pamela Clifton, representing CCJRC, testified in support of the bill. She discussed parental rights and other community connections. 

Ms. Michele Deal, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed her experience with incarceration and termination of parental rights.

Ms. Tara Doxtater, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed her experience as a child who was separated from her incarcerated parents and placed in the foster care system.

Jacki Othon, reprsenting herself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Taj Ashaheed, representing Second Chance Center, testified in support of the bill. He discussed parenting classes at Second Chance Center.

Ivana Bejaran, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Natalie Perez, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs. Martha Wilson, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Staci Shaffer, representing Larimer County Jail, testified to amend the bill. She raised concerns about design and architectural changes for the visitations and programming. 

Heather O'Hayre, representing Larimer County Department of Human Services, testified to amend the bill. She discussed staff and resource issues. 

Ashley Chase, representing Colorado Office of the Child's Representative, testified to amend the bill.  She suggested amending certain parts of the bill to avoid confusion and misinterpretation. 

Michael Valentine, representing Arapahoe County, testified to amend the bill.  He supported a pilot program.

Mrs Katie First, representing Colorado Counties Inc, testified to amend the bill. 

Summer Laws, representing Boulder County, testified to amend the bill.  She supported a pilot program.

Commander Chris Felton, representing County Sheriff’s of Colorado, testified to amend the bill and recommended a pilot program.

Dr. Malia Reddick, representing Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the importance of parental relationships.

Melanie Jordan, representing Office of Respondent Parents' Counsel, testified in support of the bill.  She discussed the importance of being present for parental termination hearings. 

Written testimony may be accessed in Attachment D. 

Senator Buckner distributed and explained Amendment L.002, which makes technical changes and clarifies both in-person and virtual visitation opportunities (Attachment E). 

Senator Bucker distributed and explained Amendment L.004 about court appearances (Attachment F).

Senator Buckner distributed and explained Amendment  L.005, which clarifies visitation arrangements (Attachment G). 

Senator Buckner made closing remarks and stressed she will continue to collaborate with stakeholders for additional amendments.

Committee members made closing remarks.