H_JUD_2023A 03/08/2023 03:36:07 PM Committee Summary

Representative Froelich, co-prime sponsor, presented House Bill 23-1199, concerning measures to provide additional access to services for victims of sexual assault. Representative Froelich explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Soper, the other co-prime sponsor provided additional input on the merits of the bill.

Elizabeth Newman, representing Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, testified in support of the bill. Katie Hancock, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. Amy Del Rio, representing the Governor's Office of Information Technology, and Kelly Kissell, representing the Division of Criminal Justice, made themselves available to answer questions on HB 23-1199. Discussion ensued regarding costs associated with the programming in the bill, and potential forthcoming amendments to the bill. Ms. Newman responded to questions regarding efforts similar to the bill in other states. Discussion followed regarding the fiscal impact of the bill.

Mrs. Tully Gibbons, representing herself, testified to amend the bill.

Cadence Dobias, representing herself, testified in support of the bill.

Courtney Sutton, representing Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, testified in support of the bill.

Mateo Cello, representing Joyful Heart Foundation, testified in support of the bill.

Dr Lisa Ingarfield, representing Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Froelich explained the effect of amendment L.001 (Attachment A).

Representative Soper explained the effect of amendment L.002 (Attachment B).

Representatives Froelich and Soper provided closing remarks in support of HB 23-1199. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.

Representative Froelich, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 23-1178, concerning enhancing court personnel's recognition of domestic violence to access federal funding, and, in connection therewith, including the recognition of child abuse. The committee heard testimony on the bill at its February 15 meeting, and the bill was before the committee for action only. Representative Froelich explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need. Representative Froelich explained the effect of amendment L.004 (Attachment C).

Discussion ensued regarding a provision in amendment L.004 that expands the scope of individuals involved in research surrounding issues associated with HB 23-1178, and what constitutes "recognized domestic violence victim advocates."

Representative Froelich explained the effect of amendment L.005 (Attachment D).

Representative Froelich explained the effect of amendment L.006 (Attachment E). Representative Froelich responded to questions regarding the provenance of the amendment.

Discussion ensued regarding how amendment L.006 intersects with the concept of parental alienation.

Representative Froelich provided closing remarks in support of HB 23-1178. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.

Representative Marshall, prime sponsor, presented House Bill 23-1206, concerning individuals employed by government in the field of law enforcement, and, in connection therewith, requiring that sheriffs in certain counties possess a bachelor's degree or higher, requiring that candidates for the offices of county sheriff and district attorney petition onto the ballot, and prohibiting certain political activities by county sheriff's office employees. Representative Marshall explained the effect of the bill and discussed its need.

Sean Smith, representing La Plata County Sheriff's Office, testified in opposition to the bill. Sheriff Smith responded to questions regarding communications he has with his constituents, and turnover in a sheriff's office as the result of an election. Discussion ensued regarding when a sheriff is acting in his or her official capacity.  Sheriff Smith responded to further questions regarding how the Hatch Act's directives to federal employees differs from HB 23-1206.

Mr. Lloyd Guthrie, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. Anaya Robinson, representing ACLU of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Representative Marshall explained the effect of amendment L.002 (Attachment F).

Representative Marshall explained the effect of amendment L.003 (Attachment G). The amendment was withdrawn.

Representative Marshall explained the effect of amendment L.004 (Attachment H).

Representative Marshall explained the effect of amendment L.005 (Attachment I).

Representative Marshall provided closing remarks in support of HB 23-1206. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.