Bill Summary for Bill Number SB10-080

Date: 03/11/2010

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB10-080

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON STATE, VETERANS, & MILITARY AFFAIRS

Votes: View-->	Action Taken:
Moved to refer Senate Bill 10-080 to the Committee	PASS

11:15 AM -- Senate Bill 10-080

Representative Frangas, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 10-080, concerning allowing court-entered civil protection orders to include directives concerning animals. Representative Frangas explained the effect of the bill, and discussed the need for the legislation. Discussion ensued regarding similar legislation that has recently passed through the General Assembly.

11:17 AM

The following persons testified regarding Senate Bill 10-080:

11:17 AM -- Ms. Chris Radeff, representing the Colorado Bar Association, testified in favor of the bill. Ms. Radeff discussed the process of protection orders, and explained why animals need to be included within the protections afforded by such orders. Ms. Radeff responded to questions regarding the frequency with which animals are subjected to abuse in domestic abuse situations, and protective housing available for pets.

11:22 AM -- Dr. Frank Ascione, representing himself, testified in favor of Senate Bill 10-080. Dr. Ascione provided an anecdote involving pet abuse in conjunction with a domestic violence case, and discussed studies linking animal abuse and domestic abuse. Dr. Ascione also discussed the benefits of including animals within the scope of protection orders.

11:29 AM -- Mr. Ted Tow, representing the Colorado District Attorneys' Council, testified in favor of the bill. Mr. Tow discussed the prevalence of threatened animal abuse in domestic abuse situations.

11:31 AM -- Ms. Amy Miller, representing the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence, testified in favor of Senate Bill 10-080. Ms. Miller discussed the need to close a loophole that currently allows perpetrators of violence to use animals as a tool to manipulate victims, and the benefits to children of including pets in protection orders. Ms. Miller explained that many judges currently believe they are barred from including animals in protection orders. Ms. Miller responded to questions regarding the effectiveness of protection orders.

11:36 AM -- Ms. Jessica Frazier, representing the Colorado Coalition Against Domestic Violence, testified in favor of the bill. Ms. Frazier discussed the prevalence of threats against or harm to pets in domestic violence situations, and provided anecdotes regarding the need to include animals in protection orders. Ms. Frazier also discussed the effect of current civil protection orders.

11:40 AM -- Mr. Tom Hill, representing the County Sheriffs of Colorado, testified in favor of Senate Bill 10-080. Mr. Hill discussed the experiences of law enforcement with animal abuse in domestic violence situations.

11:41 AM

No amendments were offered to the bill. Committee members applauded the sponsor for bringing the legislation forward.


BILL:	SB10-080
TIME:	11:42:31 AM
MOVED:	Todd
MOTION:	Moved to refer Senate Bill 10-080 to the Committee of the Whole with favorable recommendation. The motion passed on an 11-0 roll call vote.
SECONDED:	Murray
		VOTE
	Casso	Yes
	Court	Yes
	DelGrosso	Yes
	Hullinghorst	Yes
	McCann	Yes
	Miklosi	Yes
	Murray	Yes
	Nikkel	Yes
	Waller	Yes
	Labuda	Yes
	Todd	Yes

Final YES: 11 NO: 0 EXC: 0 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS