513DFCFF86BD9E83872583910070D336 Hearing Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Benavidez, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 19-1073, concerning the creation of the law enforcement, public safety, and criminal justice information sharing grant program.  Representative Benavidez explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.

The following persons testified regarding HB 19-1073:

Ms. Katie Arehart, representing the Brighton Police Department, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Arehart discussed the benefits her department realizes as a result of data sharing.

Mr. Cooper Reveley, representing the Department of Public Safety, testified on the bill from a neutral position. Mr. Reveley discussed the department's ability to administer the grant program created by the bill, and potential benefits to be realized from the bill's passage.

Mr. Paul O'Keefe, representing the Aurora Police Department, testified on HB 19-1073. Mr. O'Keefe explained the workings of the Colorado Information Sharing Consortium (CISC), and discussed the benefits of information sharing.

Sheriff Steve Weems, representing Weld County, testified in support of the bill. He discussed costs associated with joining the CISC, and the benefits that accrue to victims as a result of interdepartmental information sharing. Sheriff Weems and Mr. O'Keefe responded to questions regarding costs to agencies associated with joining the CISC. Discussion ensued regarding law enforcement training pertaining to mental health issues, and methods for ensuring that information shared among the consortium is not biased. Discussion followed regarding how the money appropriated under the bill would be used, and the types of information that are inappropriate to share among the CISC.

Discussion returned to costs for operating the CISC.

Mr. David Shipley, representing the CISC, made himself available to answer questions. Mr. Shipley responded to questions raised during earlier testimony. Mr. Shipley and Representative Benavidez responded to further questions regarding options available to local law enforcement agencies for securing information-sharing services.

Ms. Denise Maes, representing the ACLU, testified in opposition to HB 19-1073. Ms. Maes discussed some potential problems with the information gathering undertaken by the CISC, and ways that increase trust between law enforcement and communities. Discussion ensued regarding federal regulations pertaining to data sharing among law enforcement, and auditing of data collection. Ms. Maes responded to questions regarding assertions made during earlier testimony.

Ms. Maes responded to questions regarding instances of misuse of information within the CISC.

Mr. Joe Miklosi, representing the CISC, testified in support of the bill. Committee members received a fact sheet supporting the bill (Attachment A), a sheet explaining the type of information collected by CISC memberes (Attachment B), a sheet noting some supporters of HB 19-1073 (Attachment C), and a list of CISC member agencies (Attachment D). Mr. Miklosi discussed the process by which the bill was crafted, and elements in the bill that attempt to ensure transparency. Mr. Miklosi responded to questions regarding other sources of grants to fund participation in the CISC, and the number of law enforcement entities that would be impacted by HB 19-1073.

Representative Benavidez explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment D).

Representative Benavidez provided closing remarks in support of HB 19-1073. Various members provided their positions on the bill.