s_jud_2017a_2017-03-15t13:31:04z3 Hearing Summary

Date: 03/15/2017

Location: SCR 352

02:41 PM



The committee recessed.





02:52 PM -- SB17-021



The committee returned to order. Senator Martinez Humenik, sponsor, presented Senate Bill 17-021, concerning reentry services for persons with mental illness in the criminal justice system, and, in connection therewith, making an appropriation. Senator Martinez Humenik discussed the development of the bill, and explained its need. She provided information on mental health services costs for the Department of Corrections (DOC). Senator Martinez Humenik explained the bill's provisions. She responded to questions about the cost of the programs created by the bill.



03:02 PM -- Ms. Kathy Dominick, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She discussed issues relating to finding housing for offenders released from correctional facilities.



03:05 PM -- Mr. Ivan Webb, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He discussed his experience following release from a facility.



03:07 PM -- Dr. Patrick Fox, representing the Colorado Department Human Services, testified in support of the bill. He responded to committee questions.



03:10 PM -- Ms. Andrea Wilkins, representing the League of Women Voters, testified in support of the bill.



03:14 PM -- Mr. Chris Johnson, representing the County Sheriffs of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



03:15 PM -- Ms. Caty Way, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She distributed a copy of her testimony (Attachment B) and discussed her experiences.



17SenateJud0315AttachB.pdf



03:18 PM -- Ms. Monika Schneider, representing the National Association of Social Workers, Colorado Chapter, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the Colorado Second Chance Housing and Re-Entry Program (C-SHARP).



03:21 PM -- Ms. Camille Harding, representing the Office of Behavioral Health, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the work of the Mental Health in the Criminal Justice System (MICJS) Task Force.



03:22 PM -- Mr. Frank Cornelia, representing the Colorado Behavioral Health Council, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the incarceration of those with behavioral health issues.



03:24 PM -- Ms. Kerry White, Legislative Council Staff, came to the table to respond to questions concerning information included in the fiscal note. She also responded to a question concerning finances that may be tangentially affected by the bill.



03:32 PM -- Ms. Amanda Baca, representing Inside/Out and the Murphy Center, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her experience after being released from a correctional facility.



03:35 PM -- Ms. Jennifer Reali, representing Inside/Out, testified in support of the bill. She discussed recidivism of offenders placed in reentry assistance programs, and the benefits of providing assistance to released offenders, generally.



03:37 PM -- Ms. Jamie ReQua, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She provided the committee with information about the history of treating those with mental and behavioral health disorders.



03:39 PM -- Ms. Susan White, representing the Division of Adult Parole within the DOC, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the effect of prior legislation on DOC, and discussed the benefits of SB 17-021.



03:42 PM -- Ms. Tammie Carroll, representing New Genesis, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the reentry services that are currently offered to released offenders.



03:43 PM -- Ms. Deb Winans, representing Inside/Out, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her experience with reentry services.



Ms. White responded to a question concerning the cost of treatment for those with mental and behavioral health disorders.



03:46 PM -- Ms. Alison George, representing the Colorado Department of Local Affairs, testified in support of the bill. She discussed existing reentry efforts.



03:47 PM -- Ms. Jennifer Longtin, representing the Alternate Defense Counsel as a MICJS Task Force member, testified in support of the bill. She discussed costs associated with the bill.



03:49 PM -- Ms. Gina Shimeall, MICJS Task Force member, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the benefits of the bill. Ms. Shimeall also discussed how the bill would be implemented.



Ms. George responded to questions about the applicability of the programs created in the bill.



03:56 PM -- Mr. Kyle Varvil, representing the Office of the Alternate Defense Counsel, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the benefits of reentry programs.



03:58 PM -- Ms. Carrie Thompson, representing the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Thompson discussed representation of persons with mental illnesses.



04:00 PM -- Ms. Lisa Thompson, representing the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, testified in support of the bill.



04:02 PM -- Ms. Meghan Dollar, representing the Colorado Municipal League, testified in support of the bill.



04:03 PM -- Mr. Charlie Malley, representing the Murphy Center, testified in support of the bill. He explained the services provided at the Murphy Center.



04:07 PM -- Mr. Patrick Mulligan, representing himself, testified in support of the bill. He discussed representing defendants with mental illness.



04:09 PM -- Ms. Moe Keller, representing Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill. She distributed information to the committee (Attachment C) and discussed the benefits of the bill. Ms. Keller briefly discussed the bill's costs.



17SenateJud0315AttachC.pdf



04:12 PM -- Mr. Jim Frazier, representing Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Frazier discussed individuals who would be helped by the programs in the bill.



04:13 PM -- Ms. Stephanie Farrell, representing Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



04:15 PM -- Ms. Jennifer Trout, representing herself, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her brother's experience with homelessness.





04:18 PM



Senator Martinez Humenik provided closing remarks on the bill. She distributed and explained amendments L.009 (Attachment D) and L.011 (Attachment E). The committee discussed the amendments.



17SenateJud0315AttachD.pdf 17SenateJud0315AttachE.pdf

04:28 PM



The committee adjourned.