Senators Gonzales and and Weissman, co-prime sponsors, presented Senate Bill 26-036. The bill increases the vacancy rate used to determine when prison population management measures (PPMM) take effect from 3 percent to 4 percent, and makes other changes to PPMM.

Committee members asked about the vacancy rate changes outlined in the bill.

Mr. Kyle Giddings, representing the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition (CCJRC), testified in support of the bill. Ms. Maureen Cain, representing the CCJRC, testified in support of the bill. Josef Lopez, representing Servicios de La Raza, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Leo Yanez, representing Healthier Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Dr. Pastor Thomas Mayes, representing the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked about the 90 day Parole Board notice before a parole eligibility date, as outlined in the bill. Further questions were asked about the role of public defenders and the Alternate Defense Counsel.

Mr. Devon Lee, representing ColoradoWINS, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Ryan Forbes, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Bri Buentello, representing Stand for Children Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Thomas Raynes, representing the Colorado District Attys Council, testified in opposition to the bill. Courtney Sutton, representing the Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance, testified in opposition to the bill. Ms. Adrienne Sanchez, representing the Department of Corrections, testified to amend the bill.

Committee discussion ensued about prison overpopulation and causes.

Joann Belknap, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.