I_JudicialDiscipline_2022A 09/30/2022 09:38:21 AM Committee Summary

Representative Weissman, Chair, made opening remarks about the bill draft request process and Legislative Council meeting in October.  Representative Carver, Vice Chair, also made opening remarks. 

Representative Weissman recapped Bill Draft Request 1 (https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/bill_1_r23-0150.pdf).  He distributed and discussed Amendment 2 (Attachment A).

The committee further discussed the amendment and asked questions about absolute immunity, confidentiality,  formal and informal proceedings, appeals, and the new adjudicative boards as outlined in the bill. 

Further discussion ensued about the newly created adjudicative boards to hear formal proceedings and certain appeals.  Questions were also raised about confidentiality and when proceedings become public. 

Representatives Weissman and Lynch agreed to be co-prime sponsors in the House, and Senators Gardner and Gonzales in the Senate.  Other non-prime sponsors include Senators Van Winkle and Moreno and Representative Bacon. 

The committee proceeded to discuss Bill Draft Request 2 (https://leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/bill_2_23-0151.pdf).  Vice Chair Carver distributed and explained Amendment 1 (Attachment B).  She discussed the amendment and explained that it removed provisions regarding subpoenas and criminal penalties for breach of confidentiality.  She remarked that both provisions needed additional work.   She further noted for the record that legislators will continue to work toward consensus on these issues through the interim and into the 2023 legislative session.  

Representatives Lynch and Weissman signed up as prime sponsors on Bill Draft Request 2, and Senators Gardner and Gonzales in the Senate. Other co-sponsors include Senators Van Winkle and Moreno and Reprsentative Bacon. 

Representative Bacon withdrew Bill Draft Request 3 regarding an ombudsperson for judicial discipline  She expressed her commitment to working on the issue through the remainder of the interim and into the 2023 legislative session.  Other committee members also committed to working on the details of an ombudsperson position.  

Committee members made closing remarks and thanked staff and stakeholders for their work on judicial discipline.