H_JUD_2018A 05/01/2018 11:28:52 AM Committee Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Representative Pabon, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 18-059, concerning creation of a public safety information-sharing system.  The committee heard testimony on the bill at its April 27 meeting. Ms. Gabby Reed, representing the Department of Public Safety, made herself available for questions, and responded to questions regarding the grant program created by the bill.

Representative Pabon explained the effect of amendment L.018 (Attachment A).

Representative Pabon explained the effect of amendment L.019 (Attachment B).

Representative Pabon provided closing remarks in support of SB 18-059.

Representative Herod, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 18-1427, concerning a prohibition on conflicts of interest of members of the Sex Offenders Management Board (SOMB).  Representative Herod explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.

Ms. Sterling Harris, representing the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Harris discussed opposition to having a polygrapher on the SOMB. Ms. Allison Boyd, representing the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, and testifying as a victim representative on the SOMB, testified in opposition to the bill. She discussed the importance of polygraph as a tool in sex offender management.

Mr. Chris Lobanov-Rostovsky, representing the Colorado Department of Public Safety, testified on HB 18-1427 from a neutral position.  Mr. Lobanov-Rostovsky discussed the constitution of the SOMB, and certain ramifications of passing the bill.  Mr. Lobanov-Rostovsky responded to questions regarding conflict-of-interest rules governing the SOMB

Ms. Dale Jenkins, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She discussed conflicts of interest on the SOMB, contrary to recommendations of an outside evaluator. Mr. Roger Kincaid, representing Advocates for Change, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Augustine Garcia, representing Advocates for Change and Colorado COSA, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Garcia questioned the efficacy of using polygraph for sex offender management, and discussed conflicts of interest on the SOMB. Ms. Amanda Gall, representing the Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Gall expressed support for the bill and amendment L.001 (Attachment C), and clarified her position on the use of polygraph. She addressed issues raised during earlier testimony. Ms. Gall responded to questions regarding the effect of HB 18-1427 on the constitution of the SOMB.  Discussion ensued regarding the outside party that conducted an evaluation of the SOMB.

Representative Herod explained the effect of amendments L.001 and L.002 (Attachment D).

Representative Weissman, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 18-1418, concerning the use of criminal convictions in employment.  The committee briefly discussed the bill at its April 26 meeting.  Representative Weissman explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Weissman explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment  E). Discussion ensued regarding support for the bill.

Mr. Mark Evans, representing the Office of the State Public Defender, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Evans discussed the work of the working group studying collateral consequences, and the impact of the bill on certain classes allowed to be barred from employment by the bill. Ms. Karen McGovern, representing the Department of Regulatory Agencies, made herself available to answer questions. Ms. McGovern responded to questions regarding her agency's ability to administer HB 18-1418. Mr. Jack Regenbogen, representing the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Regenbogen discussed the benefits of reducing the impact of collateral consequences. Ms. Laura Long, representing the Associated General Contractors of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Long discussed the shortage of construction workers in Colorado, and the impact of criminal histories on this shortage. Discussion ensued regarding the number of people in Colorado with criminal histories.

Representative Lee provided his position on HB 18-1418. Representative Weissman provided closing remarks in support of the bill.