F7D2F3BAA659F71F87258263006D9AD1 Hearing Summary

Senator Cooke explained HB18-1109, concerning the discretionary parole of special needs offenders. He reported that the bill is from the Sentencing in the Criminal Justice System Interim Study Committee.  He discussed how the bill modifies special needs offender and special needs parole requirements.  He answered questions about victim notification.

Christina Rosendahl, legislative liaison for the Department of Corrections, testified in support of the measure.  She noted that other states and the federal government have similar laws in place.  She reported that the bill will not impact many inmates, but it is important to have such provisions, especially with an aging inmate population. 

Maureen Cain, representing the Office of the State Public Defender, spoke in favor of the bill.  She emphasized that it is a fair and balanced, and cost-effective, bill.