7871A7B4D497ABA1872584FE008257B2 Hearing Summary

Senator Gonzales, sponsor,explained Senate Bill 20-083, concerning prohibiting civil arrest while on courthouse grounds.  She explained how courthouses need to be safe places to seek justice.

She answered questions about the bill and its interplay with federal law. 

Arash Jahanian, representing the Meyer Law Office, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed how arrests at courthouses chill court appearances and access to justice.  

Paula Martinez, representing herself, spoke in favor of hte bill.  She shared a personal story about getting arrested at a courthouse. 

Christopher Lasch, representing, testified in favor of the bill. He discussed legalities and the relationship of the bill to federal law.  He answered questions about legal precedent, common law, federalism, and appeals.   

Maureen Cain, representing the Office of the State Public Defender, testified in support of the bill. She discussed how courthouse arrests interfere with representation. 

Tristan Gorman, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in favor of the bill. She discussed the rights of the accused and impacts on criminal defendants, victims, and witnesses.

Adam Mueller, representing the Colorado Bar Association, spoke in favor of the measure.

Jake Lily, representing himself, testified in favor of the bill. He discussed immigration status and access to justice. 

The panel answered questions about arrests and officer identification. 

Violet Stout, representing herself, testified in support of the measure.

Lydia Waligorski, representing Violence Free Colorado, testified in support of the bill. She discussed protection orders and domestic violence.

Karla Gonzales-Garcia, representing the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights, testified in support of the bill.

Jennifer Eyl, representing Project Safeguard, testified in favor of the measure.

Discussion followed about victims and U visas. 

Rachel Sandoval, representing the Colorado Education Association, testified in favor of the bill. She discussed the impacts of courthouse arrests on students. 

Eliza Harrick, representing the Colorado Education Association, spoke in support of the measure.

Kelly Osuna, representing the Colorado Education Association, testified in favor of the bill.

Ana Temu Otting, representing the American Civil Liberties Union, testified in support of the bill. She distributed an article regarding immigration arrests at courthouses (Attachment E). 

Raquel Lane-Arellano, representing the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, testified in favor of the bill.

Caitlin Trent, representing the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Renee Nahara, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Ana Rodriguez, representing the Colorado People's Alliance, testified in favor of the bill.

Sean Grogan, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. 

Joshua Stallings, representing the Colorado Immigrants Rights Coalition, testified in support of the measure.

Nayda Benitez, representing the Colorado Immigrants Rights Coalition, testified in favor of the measure.

Senator Gonzales presented and explained Amendment L. 001, which clarifies the definition of civil arrest (Attachment F). 

She answered questions from the committee about the definition of a judicially issued process. 

Senator Gonzales presented a packet of written testimony in support of the bill for the record (Attachment G). 

Senator Gonzales made closing remarks.  Committee member discussion followed about the broader implication of the bill. 

Further committee discussion ensued about access to justice.