S_JUD_2021A 03/17/2021 09:42:21 AM Committee Summary

Senator Kolker explained Senate Bill 21-081, concerning procedural measures to prevent the misues of the Safe2Tell program.  He discussed school threats, confidentiality, and balancing the integrity of the program with school safety.  

Sheriff Tyler Brown, representing self, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the Safe2Tell program in Arapahoe County and cited statistics about its use.

Kevin Klein, Director - Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in the Colorado Department of Public Safety, testified to amend the bill.  He discussed operational aspects of the Safe2Tell program.  He suggested an amendment to carve out certain exceptions regarding anonymity. 

Disussion followed about false reports, confidentiality, and recommendations from the 2019 School Safety Interim Committee. 

Further discussion ensued about exigency provisions and possible amendments.

Don Haddad, representing St Vrain valley schools, testified in support of the bill. He discussed Safe2Tell call volume and protecting schools.  

Andrew Fairbanks, representing St Vrain and Fredrick Police, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed limited situations where it is helpful to share information gathered through Safe2Tell with law enforcement. 

Benjamin Goff, representing self, testified in support of the bill. He discussed false reporting to the Safe2Tell program and school disruption.

Discussion followed about confidentiality and program use disincentives. 

Christian Gardner Wood, representing the Boulder District Attorney's Office, testified in support of the bill. He discussed an amendment to include restorative justice.  He answered questions about exigent circumstances and other operational issues. 

Senator Kolker distributed and explained Amendment L. 003 (Attachment A) regarding restorative justice.

Senator Kolker explained Amendment L. 002 (Attachment B) regarding confidentiality and exigent circumstances.

Committee members discussed the nuances of the bill and confidentiality. 

Senator Kolker made closing remarks.

Senators Lee and Gardner, co-prime sponsors, explained Senate Bill 21-059, concerning the reorganization of the juvenile justice code in article 2 of title 19, Colorado Revised Statutes, by the Colorado juvenile justice and delinquency prevention council, as authorized by House Joint Resolution  18-1013.   The sponsors discussed that the bill makes non-substantive organizational changes. 

Ms Kippi Clausen, representing Unfolding Directions, LLC - JJDP Childrens Code Committee Consultant , was available to answer committee questions. 

Ms Meg Williams, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Stacie Colling, representing Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Code Review Committee, testified in support of the bill.

Elise Logemann, representing ACLU of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Gardner distributed and explained Amendment L. 007 (Attachment C) regarding technical corrections.

Senator Gardner distributed and explained Amendment L. 008 (Attachment D) regarding a savings clause.

Senators Lee and Gardner made closing remarks.