Issues: Other Issues

In the 2008 session, I carried House Bill 08-1263, titled "Concerning Modifications to Victim Notification Requirements", and it is now law.  

The County Sheriffs received a federal grant to kick start this program in Colorado.  However, it needs state funding of $149,040 in 2009 to operate, and I am working hard to make sure it is funded fully.

This bill, known as VINE, works as follows:

VINE communicates with jail and prison booking systems, transmitting updated information to a national data network, which includes more than two-thirds of the nation's Departments of Corrections.

Crime victims and the general public can access the information by logging onto www.vinelink.com.

Victims can inquire whether an offender is held in jail as well as the facility's location.

Users can register to be notified immediately of a change in the offender's status, such as release, transfer, or escape.

When a notification is triggered, VINE automatically calls the number or numbers the victim provided.

VINE is necessary for victims to be fully informed at all times concerning the whereabouts of the criminal.  This bill was supported strongly by the County Sheriffs of Colorado, the District Attorneys, the Department of Corrections, and all other criminal justice entities, as well as by victim's groups. To ensure that it is fully funded, please call members of the Joint Budget Committee and ask that they support it.

Senator Mo Keller, 303-866-2585, is Chair of the JBC this year.

Representative Jack Pommer, 303-866-2689, is Vice-Chair of the JBC this year.

Thank you for your help in insuring that victims' rights are protected.