S_JUD_2021A 03/24/2021 10:03:46 AM Committee Summary

Senator Coleman, sponsor, explained Senate Bill 21-138, concerning measures to improve the support of persons in the criminal justice system with a brain injury.

Dr. Kim Gorgens, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She discussed a University of Denver (DU) neuropsychological screening program at the Denver County Jail to identify brain injury and cognitive dysfunction.  Committee members asked questions about the program and ways in which to manage and respond to traumatic brain injuries. 

Mindy Gates, Office of Adult Aging, Department of Human Services (DHS), testified in support of bill and made herself available to answer questions. 

Liz Gertumen, representing Mindsource, Office of Adult Aging, DHS, testified in support of the bill.

Marchell Taylor, representing self, testified in support of the bill. He discussed his experiences in the criminal justice system and traumatic brain injury. 

Keith Parker, representing self and Association of Young Business Owners, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the DU traumatic brain injury program at the Denver County Jail and treatment plans.

Corey Shively, representing self, testified in support of the bill. He discussed the benefits of neurological treatment. 

Stacey Young, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She discussed her husband's brain injury and involvement in the criminal justice system.

Mr Ozzie Cabral, representing Tribe Recovery Homes, testified in support of the bill. He discussed working with individuals coming out of the Department of Corrections with undiagnosed brain injuries.

Mr Steffan Richardson, representing Tribe Recovery Homes, testified in support of the bill. He discussed re-entry after incarceration and traumatic brain injuries.

Jennifer Mello, representing Brain Injury Alliance of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Ms. Terri Hurst, representing Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, testified in support of the bill.

Ashley Furst, representing Rebuild Your Mind Challenge/Association of Young Business Owners, testified in support of the bill.

Senator Coleman distributed and explained Amendment L.002 (Attachment A). 

Written testimony submitted about the bill is in Attachment B. 

Senator Coleman made closing remarks.

Senator Gardner explained Senate Bill 21-143, concerning the Uniform Collaborative Law Act.  He discussed collaborative law as a non-adversarial alternative to resolving disputes, particularly in family law matters. 

Senator Gardner distributed and explained Amendment L. 001 (Attachment C), which limits application to family law matters. 

Ms. Terri Harrington, representing Colorado Collaborative Law Professionals, testified in support of the bill. She discussed collaborative law and cost savings.

Mr. Steven Lass, representing Colorado Bar Association, testified to amend the bill.  He stated that it should only apply to family law matters. 

Discussion followed about collaborative law and its application. 

Senator Gardner referred to the amendment and its scope to family law matters, and then made closing remarks.