S_JUD_2022A 02/16/2022 01:05:22 PM Committee Summary

Senators Coleman and Hisey, bill sponsors, presented Senate Bill 22-050, concerning work opportunities for persons imprisoned by the Department of Corrections.   Senator Coleman discussed economic and employment opportunities and wages.  Senator Hisey discussed Colorado Correctional Industries and competition with the private sector. 

Executive Director Dean Williams, representing Colorado Department of Corrections, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed Colorado Correctional Industries (CCi), philosophical changes about inmate employment, and reducing the recidvidism rate.

Director Jessica Warren, representing Colorado Correctional Industries, testified in support of the bill. She discussed re-envisioning employment before release from prison.

Committee members asked questions about skill sets, market forces, and wages.  Further questions were raised about bank accounts, financial literacy, and restitution.  Discussion resumed about inmate work. 

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Matthew Server, representing Colorado Catholic Conference, testified in support of the bill. He discussed recidivism and rehabilitation.

Senator Coleman distributed and presented Amendment L. 001 which primarily replaces the word inmate for offender (Attachment A). 

The bill sponsors made closing remarks. 

Senators Fields and Cooke, co-prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-057, concerning measures to support victims of violent crime who suffer brain injuries as a result.

Dr. Anne DePrince, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She discussed research about brain injuries.

Dr. Kim Gorgens, representing self, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the importance of screening and treating brain injuries. 

Committee members asked questions about early treatment versus treating someone with a longstanding brain injury.  Discussion ensued about victimization, navigating systems, and types of available treatment for this population. 

 

Ray Harlan, representing Colorado Victims for Justice, testified in support of the bill.

Melissa Bickford, representing self, testified in support of the bill.

Bridget Dyson, representing COVA , testified in support of the bill and distributed a handout about the brain (Attachment B). 

Senator Cooke distributed and presented Amendment L. 001 to make technical changes and representation on the committee (Attachment C). 

Senator Cooke presented and distributed Amendment L. 003 to align definitions (Attachment D). 

Senator Cooke presented and distributed Amendment L. 004 about collecting brain injury statistics (Attachment E). 

Senator Cooke presented and distributed Amendment L. 005 about outreach programs (Attachment F). 

Senator Cooke presented and distributed Amendment L. 006 about support services (Attachment G). 

Senator Cooke presented and distributed Amendment L. 007 about forensice nurse examiners (Attachment H). 

 

 

Senator Fields and Senator Cooke made closing remarks.

Senator Gardner, bill sponsor, presented Senate Bill 22-092, concerning changes to the "Colorado Probate Code".  He discussed the changes the bill makes to the probate code, including beneficiary descriptions and other modifications to align with uniform law recommendations. 

 

Committee members discussed best practices around plain language for complicated topics, such as probate. 

Senators Gardner and Jaquez Lewis presented Senate Bill 22-115 concerning clarifying certain terms as the terms relate to landowner liability.

The bill sponsors discussed the landowner liability act and the kind of precautions a facility should take.  They also explained the predominant cause act and the need for the legislature to provide a clear interpretation of it.  The senators referenced a recent Colorado Supreme Court decision on the topic.  

Ms Tamra Ward, representing Coloradoans Protecting Patient Access, testified in support of the bill.  She noted the wide support of stakeholders on the bill. 

Thomas Neville, Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, testified in support of the bill.  He explained that the bill applies the predominant cause test to all types of businesses, schools, and places of worship.

Mr Kevin Paul, representing Coloradoans Protecting Patient Access, testified in support of the bill.  He discussed the merits of the bill.  

 

Mr. Ike Eckert, representing Colorado Defense Lawyers Association, testified in support of the bill.

Senators Jacquez Lewis and Gardner made closing remarks.