FE7E0717662D1BFB872583AD0074EA67 Hearing Summary

The committee recessed.

The committee returned to order. Representative Michaelson Jenet, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 19-049, concerning increasing the statute of limitations for certain failure to report child sexual abuse crimes.  Representative Michaelson Jenet explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Discussion ensued regarding the event that tolls the bill's statute of limitations.

The following persons testified regarding SB 19-049:

Ms. Tristan Gorman, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Gorman explained why statutes of limitation exist, and discussed the potential negative effects of the bill. Discussion ensued regarding the frequency with which cases of failure to report child abuse have been dismissed due to the passage of the statute of limitations.

Mr. Blake Harrison, representing the Denver District Attorney Beth McCann, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Mike Petrash, representing the Boulder District Attorney's Office, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Amanda Gall, representing the Colorado District Attorney's Office, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Gall responded to technical questions about the bill, and addressed issues raised during earlier testimony. Ms. Gall responded to questions regarding the number of times a mandatory reporter has been charged with failure to report child sexual abuse, and the incentive created by the bill to report the crime.

Discussion ensued regarding the purpose of mandatory reporting, and required reporting based on a suspicion of a crime. Ms. Gall responded to questions regarding when prosecutors charge someone with failure to report.

Mr. Matt Maillarro, representing the Eighteenth Judicial District, testified in support of SB 19-049.

Ms. Leora Joseph, representing the Eighteenth Judicial District, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Evie Hudak, representing Colorado PTA, testified in support of the bill.

Mr. Paul Quinn, representing SNAP, testified in support of SB 19-049. Mr. Quinn recounted his victimization as a child.

Mr. Jeb Barrett, representing SNAP, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Barrett recounted his victimization as a child. Mr. Barrett suggested some amendments to the bill.

Mr. Tim Lopez, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Lopez suggested that the bill be amended, and discussed sexual assault reporting in schools. Mr. Barrett discussed sexual abuse in the Catholic Church.

Representative Michaelson Jenet explained the effect of amendment L.008 (Attachment A).

Representative Michaelson Jenet provided closing remarks in support of SB 19-049. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.