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6D7C91F77E4C4E4387258C11006E4F3E Hearing Summary




PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For JUDICIAL BRANCH PRESENTATION

JOINT COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ON JOINT JUDICIARY
Date Jan 13, 2025      
Location Old Supreme Court



Judicial Branch Presentation - Committee Discussion Only
01:04:56 PM  
Senator Gonzales,
Chair, called the meeting to order.




Chief Justice
Monica Marquez began the Judicial Branch SMART Act presentation. She provided
an overview of the Judicial Branch and discussed diversifying Colorado's
bench, turnover, the new 23rd Judicial District, Ralph Carr Judicial Center
mitigation and repair, judicial discipline and Amendment H, workplace culture,
and the judicial education initiative.




Steve Vasconcellos, State Court Administrator, discussed Senate Bill 25-024,
to increase the number of judges over a two-year period. Mr. Vasconcellos
also explained the Judicial Branch budget request which included court
security, case management system and virtual hearing updates, courtroom
disruptor prevention efforts, probation, and the collections program and
associated operating costs.



The Judicial Branch presentation slide deck is posted here:
https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/jud_smart_011325.pdf
01:58:35 PM  
Committee members
asked questions about financial disclosure statements and emergency guardianship
hearings.



Additional questions
were raised about how other states conduct virtual courtroom proceedings,
as well as measures to retain diverse judges. Further inquiries were made
about technological improvements and associated timelines. Committee discussion
ensued about courtroom disruptors and additional probation staff.
02:12:10 PM  
Committee members
asked questions about using private probation services. Additional inquiries
were raised about management training, the new ombuds office, judicial
domestic violence and child abuse training, and the collections department.



Committee discussion
ensued about the budget and efficiencies, family court and guardianship,
new software, and the interface with the Commission on Judicial Discipline.
02:38:52 PM  
Mr. Jeremy Korgan,
representing themself, testified about transparency and accountability
in the Judicial Branch.






The effective date for bills enacted without a safety clause is August 6, 2025, if the General Assembly adjourns sine die on May 7, 2025 (unless otherwise specified). Details

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