s_jud_2016a_2016-02-03t13:32:50z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 02/03/2016

02:13 PM -- SB16-034



Senator Roberts called the committee back to order. Senator Sonnenberg, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 16-034, concerning tampering with a deceased human body. Senator Sonnenberg explained his reasons for supporting the bill. Senator Sonnenberg distributed and explained Amendments L.001 (Attachment A) and L.002 (Attachment B). The committee and Senator Sonnenberg discussed specific language in the bill and the amendments.



16SenateJud0203AttachA.pdf 16SenateJud0203AttachB.pdf



02:23 PM -- Ms. Carrie Thompson, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Thompson stated her belief that current law already addresses concerns raised by the bill, specifically with charges for tampering with physical evidence and being an accessory to a crime. She discussed concerns regarding the mental state required to commit certain crimes and the issue of an offender's mental state under the bill.



02:31 PM -- Ms. Laura Saxton, representing Colorado Victims for Justice, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Saxton discussed her experience with her daughter's disappearance. She discussed existing laws concerning tampering with evidence, and the reasons that the bill should be passed.



02:37 PM -- Ms. Elaine Hall, representing Colorado Victims for Justice, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Hall discussed her experience with her son's disappearance. She stated that this bill will assist those who cannot be helped by an Amber Alert, and will provide accountability for those who tamper with human remains.



02:41 PM -- Ms. Jeanne Hanson and Ms. Jessica Hanson, representing themselves, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Jeanne Hanson stated that existing penalties are not sufficient to punish tampering with a human body. She discussed her experience with her son's death.





02:49 PM



Ms. Jessica Hanson stated that the bill is necessary to hold people accountable for their actions. She discussed her experience with her nephew's death.



02:57 PM -- Mr. Arnold Hanuman, representing the Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in support of the bill, as amended by Amendment L.002. He stated that human bodies are different than other evidence and should be treated differently. Mr. Hanuman discussed specific language and provisions in the bill. Senator Kerr and Mr. Hanuman discussed the levels of offense included in the bill.



03:05 PM -- Ms. Kathy Oatis, representing Colorado Coroners, testified in support of the bill.





03:06 PM



Senator Sonnenberg provided closing remarks on the bill.

Committee members discussed their positions on the bill.

03:13 PM



The committee adjourned.