A5DAE833FC3AFC4A87258AF3005B21A3 Hearing Summary

Representatives Bird and Evans, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 24-1284, concerning increasing pretrial release requirements for certain criminal defendants accused of committing a violent offense. Representative Bird explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Evans provided additional input on the merits of the bill. Representative Evans responded to questions regarding posting bond under the bill, and the look-back period prescribed by the bill.  Public comment on the bill may be found at Attachment A.

Ms. Maureen Cain, representing OSPD, testified in opposition to the bill. Anaya Robinson, representing ACLU of Colorado, testified in opposition to the bill. Terrance Carroll, representing himself, testified in opposition to the bill. Christie Donner, representing Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Cain responded to questions regarding what constitutes second degree assault. Discussion ensued regarding bonding with money under the bill,

Diana Goldberg, representing Colorado Children's Alliance - SungateKids Child Advocacy Center, testified in support of the bill.

Chief Morris, representing Colorado Association of the Chiefs of Police - Aurora Police Department, testified in support of the bill.

Gina Malone-Earles, representing Colorado Children's Alliance & Blue Sky Bridge, testified in support of the bill.

Deputy Chief Jensen, representing Colorado Association Chiefs of Police - Colorado Springs Police Department, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding posting bond under HB 24-1284, and the impact of bonding on victims. Discussion followed regarding risk assessment.

Rebecca Wallace, representing Colorado Freedom Fund, testified in opposition to the bill.

Ms. Beth McCann, representing herself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Dr. Michael Jones, representing themself, testified in opposition to the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding a forthcoming amendment. Dr. Jones responded to questions regarding trends in absconding on bail.

Chief Satar, representing Colorado Association Chiefs of Police - Longmont Police Department, testified in support of the bill.

Chief Noeller, representing Colorado Association Chiefs of Police - Pueblo Police Deparment, testified in support of the bill.

Marius Suffian, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Jake Suffian, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Chief Noeller responded to questions regarding a criminal incident he discussed, and personal recognizance bonds. Chief Satar and Jake Suffian provided additional input on HB 24-1284.

Alex Cabriales, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Nicole Martinez, representing Colorado Assn. of Professional Sureties, testified in support of the bill.

Shannon Johnson, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Tyler Peters, representing himself, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Justin Marceau, representing Speaking as a Professor of Law, testified in opposition to the bill.

Mr. Marceau responded to questions regarding current law with respect to district attorney consent and bail.

Dannie Knutt, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Connie Brenton, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Shari Hack, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Evans explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment B). Discussion ensued regarding the impact of the amendment on the bonding process.

Representatives Bird and Evans provided closing remarks in support of HB 24-1284. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.