C86B502D152D991887258234007D51B6 Hearing Summary

Senator Kagan explained SB18-026 concerning measures to make sex offender registration more effective.  He explained that the bill will not change the substance of who registers as a sex offender but instead provides ways to streamline and clarify the process.  

He presented Amendments L.001, L.002, L.003, and L.006 (Attachments B, C, D, and E). 

Maureen Cain, representing the Office of State Public Defender, spoke in favor of the bill.  She explained that the bill makes the registry process less burdensome and concentrates on procedural, not substantive, changes.

Amanda Gall, representing the Colorado District Attorneys' Council (CDAC), spoke in support of the bill, as amended.  She stated that the bill is the product of a collaborative stakeholder process and is an improvement to the current registry system. 

Senator Kagan assured the committee that he will withdraw support for the measure if the House amends the bill to shift CDAC's position on it.    

Mark Bearu, representing himself as a registered sex offender, supports the bill.  He explained that the process is very confusing. 

Christian Mohr, representing the Colorado Bureau of Investigations, provided a neutral opinion about the bill,  He reported to be a part of drafting the amendments and believes the bill will help streamline the registry process, especially for those who are incapacitated. 

Laura Richards, representing herself, spoke in support of the bill, as amended.  She reported that the sex offender registry is not a rehabilitative tool but rather provides a sense of comfort for victims. 

Joseph Guerrierie, representing himself, spoke in favor of the bill.