HB 1107 and HB 1313 Both Vetoed

It's Black Friday....

CCJRC is very disappointed to announce that today, Governor Ritter vetoed two bills that CCJRC supported, HB 1107 and HB 1313.

HB 1107, the record sealing bill, would have allowed someone to petition the court to request that a criminal record be sealed after 10 years from the date s/he completed the sentence. Tens of thousands of people in Colorado have criminal records and the overwhelming majority of them move on to live law-abiding and productive lives. Unfortunately, the stigma of having a criminal record is permanent and can greatly interfere in their ability to find good jobs and housing.

HB 1313, the identification bill, would have clarified and expanded the documents the DMV would accept as proof of identify, age, and residency to better allow people to obtain a state identification card or driver’s license. This legislation came out of necessity, following a lawsuit, because so many eligible people were unable to get a state identification card because the list of approved documents was so short. One group that has a huge struggle is people coming out of prison. One thing HB 1313 would have done is allow people to use a DOC inmate ID as one form of proof, so long as it was accompanied by either a birth certificate or social security card.

Governor Ritter’s veto flies in the face of the strong, bi-partisan support both these bills had. With HB 1107, there was no opposition and the Governor never indicated any concern or objection during the legislative process. This communication is essential and customary to allow legislators to work with the Governor to address concerns while the legislature is still in session.

Obviously, CCJRC strongly disagrees with the Governor’s action with regard to these two bills and it contradicts his alleged commitment to reducing the recidivism rate.

Our deep thanks to all those who worked in support of HB 1107, particularly the Criminal Defense Bar Association and all our members who testified and for all of you who contacted your elected officials in support of this bill. Representative Cerbo, the sponsor of HB 1107, has said he is willing to consider running it again next year.

To read the text of Governor Ritter’s veto messages, click on the link below
HB 1107, http://www.colorado.gov/governor/press/june07/veto-bill-1107.html

HB 1313, http://www.colorado.gov/governor/press/june07/veto-bill-1313.html