59989205E82802538725894E0079DC4A Hearing Summary

Senator Danielson, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 23-054, concerning missing and murdered indigenous relatives office (MMIR).   She discussed Senate Bill 22-150 that created the MMIR office, and clarified that this bill allocates funding to hire more staff and strengthen services. 

Councilwoman Vanessa Torres, representing Southern Ute Indian Tribe, testified in support of the bill. She discussed rates of violent crime for indigenous women. 

Senator Danielson referenced a letter of endorsement from the Southern Ute Tribe.

Jennifer Blackhawk, representing the Ogalala and Sioux Tribe, testified in support of the bill. 

Felicia McCall, MMIR Task Force, testified in support of the bill.

Gary Yellowhorn, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Diana Lee, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked questions to the panel about their cases and law enforcement involvement. 

 

 

Danielle Seawalker, representing themself,
testified in support of the bill.

Monycka Snowbird, representing themself,
testified in support of the bill.

Daisy Bluestar, representing the Southern
Ute Tribe, testified in support of the bill.

Committee discussion ensued about the
implementation of SB22-150, including staffing and other responsibilities.


 

 

Tanksi Chrisjohn, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Mia Tallbull, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Cassidy Mendoza, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Danielle Manzanaces, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Eliana Arellano, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Rachel Gomez, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs. Jennifer Wolf, representing Project Mosaic, Indigenous Health Consultants, testified in support of the bill.

Mrs. Donna Chrisjohn, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Committee discussion followed about communication between agencies. 

Emma Ragona, representing Conservation Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked questions about victim services. 

 

Joseph Pekara, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Serene Mulhern, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Renee Millard Chacon, Woman from the Mountain, testified in support of the bill.

Isabella Snowbird, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Paula Perry, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Committee discussion followed about communication issues during all stages of a case. 

Shaina Oliver, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Gina Lopez, representing Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives of Colorado Taskforce, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Philip Jones, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Steven LaPointe, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Jones responded to questions from the committee.

Executive Director Stan Hilkey, representing Colorado Department of Public Safety, testified in opposition to the bill.  He discussed the current status of the MMIR Office and addressed some of the barriers and challenges experienced, including communication issues between agencies. 

Mr. Hilkey responded to questions from the committee about local law enforcement and information sharing challenges.  Committee discussion followed about statistical reports.  Further discussion ensued about the Colorado Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice and the review of sentencing ranges for MMIR cases. 

The Chair laid the bill over until further notice.