S_JUD_2019A 02/11/2019 01:31:58 PM Committee Summary

Senator Lee called the meeting to order. 

Senator Zenzinger, sponsor, explained HB19-1060, concerning conforming amendments necessitated by the transfer of certain safety authorities from the Department of Public Health and Environment to the Department of Public Safety pursuant to House Bill 12-1268. 

Senator Lee explained that SB19-036, concerning a state court administrator reminder program, was heard at the January 30, 2019, meeting of the Senate Judiciary Committee and is up for action only at this hearing.  He distributed and explained the following amendments: L. 005, L. 006, L. 007, and L.008 (Attachments A,B,C, and D).  

Senator Fenberg, sponsor, explained SB19-109, concerning adjustments to limitations on damages to reflect the effects of inflation.  He discussed caps for civil damages and the need to allow them to rise with inflation instead of amending the law every few years to do so.

Michael Nimmo, representing the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, spoke in support of the bill.  He explained caps on damages and the need to account for inflation.

Stuart Jorgenson, representing Colorado Civil Justice League, testified in opposition to the bill.  He discussed insurance implications and answered questions about premiums. 

Patrick Boyle, representing Property and Casualty Insurance, testified against the measure.  He discussed insurance implications, specifically rate increases, and answered questions about premiums. 

Christopher Reeves, representing Colorado Defense Lawyers Association, spoke in opposition to the bill.  He discussed the impact on small businesses and insurance policies.  He answered questions from the committee.

Debbie Taussig, representing Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, spoke in favor of the bill.  She explained that there is no discernible correlation between caps for civil damages and increased insurance premiums. 

Ms. Taussig answered questions from the committee and discussed costs of lawsuits compared to recouped damages.

Kristian Roggendorf, representing Coloradans for Legal Freedom, testified in support of the measure.  He discussed insurance premiums, caps on damages, and the need to index for inflation. 

Saul Larsen, representing the Department of Regulatory Agencies, explained the sunset review process to the committee.  Yelana Love, Office of Legislative Legal Services, explained bill sponsorship and other related matters.

Mr. Larsen continued with his presentation and discussed the history, duties, workload, and responsibilities of the Cold Case Task Force.  Audrey Simkins, Colorado Bureau of Investigation, discussed the number of cold cases solved, as well as the benefits of a forum to discuss cases and generate ideas about how to solve them.