8BF40FF3FF7A3CDC87258258007B856C Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representatives Lee and Wist, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 18-1251, concerning measures to improve the efficiency of the community corrections transition placements.  Committee members received a letter in support of the bill from the Colorado Association of Community Corrections Boards (Attachment F), recommendations from the Community Corrections Utilization Working Group (Attachment G), and amendments L.003 (Attachment H) and L.004 (Attachment I). Representative Lee explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. He also provided background on the bill's genesis. Representative Wist provided additional input. Discussion ensued regarding the fiscal impact of the bill.

Ms. Alex Walker, representing the Colorado State Board of Parole, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Walker discussed the recommendations of the Community Corrections Utilization Working Group. Ms. Meredith McGrath, representing the Department of Corrections, testified in support of the bill. Ms. McGrath discussed the work of the working group, and the merits of the legislation. Mr. Bryon Sparling, representing the Department of Corrections, testified in support of the bill.  Mr. Glen Tapia, representing the Department of Public Safety, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the work undertaken by the working group, and provided background on community corrections. Mr. Sparling and Mr. Tapia responded to questions regarding the reasons why certain offenders are not being placed in community corrections, and the function of employees hired under the bill. Discussion ensued regarding a potential amendment to the bill.  Mr. Sparling responded to questions regarding the tracking of community corrections denials.

Ms. McGrath responded to questions regarding how community corrections placements are processed.

Ms, Christina Daniel, representing the Community Corrections Coalition, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Daniel read a letter supporting the bill. Mr. Tony Lombard, representing the Colorado Association of Community Corrections Boards, testified in support of the bill, and lent support to amendment L.003. Ms. Daniel responded to questions regarding programming for women in community corrections.

Discussion ensued regarding the intent of amendment L.004.

Ms. Gabby Reed, representing the Department of Public Safety, provided input on amendment L.004. Discussion ensued regarding current policy on how immigrant detainers are handled in the community corrections environment. The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order.

Representative Salazar laid over HB 18-1251.