6661708DE0601088872585200074D497 Hearing Summary

Representatives Herod and Soper, co-prime sponsors, presented House Bill 20-1307, concerning the use of a panic defense unless the party can show its relevance to the court. The bill bans the use of a victim's sexual orientation or gender identity as a defense in criminal cases and creates a hearing if a party claims that the evidence is relevant to the case. The bill sponsors responded to questions from the committee regarding the bill.

The following panel testified on the bill:

Michael Dougherty, District Attorney for the 20th Judicial District, testified in support of the bill.

Allison Boyd, Colorado Victim's Assistance, testified in support of the bill.

Amanda Gall, Colorado District Attorney's Council, testified in support of the bill. She stated that all 64 district attorney's offices are in support of the bill.

The panel responded to questions from the committee regarding the language in the bill and how the language would impact the right to self defense as viable defenses in a criminal case.  Committee discussion ensued.

Beth McCann, Denver District Attorney, testified in support of the bill. She discussed the bill's application. Laura MacWaters, representing herself, testified in favor of the measure. She discussed issues specific to transgender individuals and other related cases. Jason Prussman, representing himself, spoke in support of the bill. He discussed violence against the LGBTQ community.

Moe Keller, representing Mental Health Colorado, testified in support of the bill. She discussed equal rights and discrimination.

Sophia San Miguel, representing herself, testified about the bill.

Herod distributed and explained Amendment L.001 (Attachment C).

Representatives Herod and Soper made concluding remarks regarding the bill.

Committee discussion ensued regarding the bill.

The committee recessed.

Committee discussion regarding the bill continued.