s_jud_2017a_2017-01-25t13:35:14z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 01/25/2017

Location: SCR 352

01:35 PM -- SB17-024



Senator Gardner, chair, called the committee to order. He announced the order of business for the meeting.



Senator Fields, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 17-024, concerning the hearsay exception for persons with an intellectual and developmental disability when a defendant is charged with a crime against an at-risk person. She explained recently passed related legislation and the effect of the bill.



01:38 PM -- Ms. Maggie Conboy, representing the Denver District Attorney's Office, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Conboy discussed a case where hearsay exceptions have applied. Ms. Conboy explained how the bill's hearsay exception would be used. She responded to a question from Senator Kagan about the effect of the bill. She also explained how the hearsay exceptions are applied in court, and the purpose of creating such exceptions for intellectual and developmentally disabled individuals.





01:50 PM



Ms. Conboy responded to questions about the media of testimony that may be admitted under the bill's exception.



01:52 PM -- Ms. Darla Stuart, representing The ARC of Aurora, testified in support of the bill. She distributed a card of information to the committee (Attachment A). She discussed communication and interaction with people who have intellectual and developmental disabilities. Ms. Stuart discussed how the criminal justice and court systems interact with those who have intellectual and developmental disabilities.



17SenateJud0125AttachA.pdf



01:57 PM -- Dr. Laurie Sperry, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She distributed a copy of her remarks and resources to the committee (Attachment B), and made her presentation. She responded to committee questions concerning the increase in crime against those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.



17SenateJud0125AttachB.pdf



02:03 PM -- Ms. Jane Walsh, representing the Twentieth Judicial District Attorney's Office and the Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in support of the bill. She stated her belief that crime against at-risk persons has higher reporting rates in recent years, but that there hasn't been an increase in the number of offenses committed. She also explained the process for admitting out-of-court statements in a trial. Ms. Walsh explained challenges in the legal system for those who may not be able to communicate easily in a courtroom, and how the bill will apply to court proceedings. She responded to questions concerning the offenses to which the bill would apply.





02:10 PM



Senator Fields provided closing remarks on the bill.