S_JUD_2018A 04/23/2018 02:38:10 PM Committee Summary

Senators Gardner and Cooke, bill sponsors, explained HB18-1307, concerning restricting the availability to children of products that contain dextromethorphan (DXM).  Senator Gardner discussed teen abuse of cough syrup and further noted that it is cheap, easily accessible, and legal.  Senator Cooke discussed the merits of the legislation, including that it has been successful in other states and strikes a good balance.  Other elements of the bill were explained, such as identification requirements and penalties.  The sponsors emphasized that the bill does not restrict the legal use of cough syrup. 

Carlos Gutierrez, representing the Consumer Healthcare Products Association, spoke in favor of the bill.  He discussed rates of teen DXM abuse.  He also reported that fifteen states have passed similar bills and have seen a reduction in teen cough syrup abuse rates as a result.  He emphasized that his organization fully supports access to cough syrup but also noted that it is a medication and should not be abused.  In answer to questions, Mr. Gutierrez stated that Nyquil, Robitussin, and Delsium are examples of cough syrup containing DXM. 

Chris Howes, representing the Colorado Retail Council, spoke in support of the measure.  He discussed the membership of the Colorado Retail Council.  He also talked about training programs for employees and explained that cough syrup products can easily be detected by bar-code scanning that automatically alerts the merchant to ask for an ID, as is the case with certain allergy medicines. 

Grier Bailey, representing the Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association, testified in favor of the bill. 

Gino Arredando, representing himself as a student, spoke in favor of the bill.  He provided accounts of student abuse. 

A letter in support of the bill from the American Academy of Pediatrics was distributed to committee members (Attachment A). 

Senators Gardner and Cooke gave closing remarks and emphasized the importance of preventing drug abuse before it starts.

Senator Cooke, sponsor, explained HB18-1176, concerning continuation of the grant program in the Department of Corrections to provide funding to eligible community-based organizations that provide reentry services to offenders, and, in connection therewith, implementing the recommendations in the 2017 report of the Department of Regulatory Agencies.  Senator Cooke further expounded upon the the program and its successful track record. 

Christie Donner, representing the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, testified in support of the bill.  She explained that the bill helps to improve successful reintegration into the community for those on parole.  She explained the amendment by the House that opens up eligibility to those from half-way houses.  She discussed the role of the intermediary and the importance of providing communication and data collection and analysis. 

Johanna Leal, representing the Colorado Department of Corrections, testified in favor of the measure.  She emphasized that the program builds bridges, improves communication between agencies, and leverages resources in new ways. 

Hassan Latif, representing the Second Chance Center, spoke in support of the bill.  He stated that the program has showed positive results over the past four years.

Senator Cooke made closing remarks.  Committee members expressed their appreciation of the reentry program. 

Senator Fields explained HB18-1200, concerning cybercrime, and, in connection therewith, criminalizing using a computer to engage in prostitution of a minor, criminalizing skimming payment cards, making changes to the penalty structure for cybercrime, and making an appropriation.

Cynthia Kowert, representing the Office of the Attorney General, spoke in favor of this bill.  She discussed how the bill supplements existing law by adding new crimes.

Grier Bailey, representing the Colorado Wyoming Petroleum Marketers Association, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed skimming payment cards at gas pumps and other kinds of data theft.  

Senator Fields made closing remarks. 

The committee recessed. 

The committee was called back to order. 

Senators Coram and Moreno explained HB18-1344, concerning relief from collateral consequences.  Senator Moreno discussed how the bill allows for the relief of collateral consequences not just at the time of sentencing but before and after as well. 

Mark Evans, representing the Colorado State Public Defender's Office, spoke in support of the bill.   He reported that the bill is a product of the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice and the State Public Defender's Office.  He provided background on the bill and explained the expanded time frame change.  He reported that employment and housing are the major areas affected by collaterol consequences. 

Jack Regenbogen, representing the Colorado Center on Law and Policy, testified in favor of the bill. He discussed the difficulties in obtaining relief under the current structure and recommends that these provisions expand to juveniles at some point. 

Senators Moreno and Coram made closing remarks.