Senate committee recommends reconfirming three Parole Board members; cites need for better data on releases

The Senate Judiciary Committee on March 30 recommended reconfirmation of three members of the Colorado Board of Parole, forwarding the nominations to the full Senate on a 6‑0 vote with one member excused.

Ron DeMour, chair of the Parole Board, introduced the nominees and asked the committee to reconfirm Greg Siz (appointed 2022), Catherine Rodriguez (appointed 2024) and Rodrigo Louvaino (appointed 2024). The three each gave brief statements about their experience and work on the board.

"This position is in equal parts the most rewarding and the most challenging position I've ever held," Greg Siz told the committee, describing more than 20 years in different levels of the criminal legal system and his continued emphasis on balancing public safety with rehabilitation.

Catherine Rodriguez said she has worked in the criminal justice field for nearly three decades and has led efforts to revise parole criteria and pilot assessment tools to promote consistent, evidence‑informed decision making on the board.

Rodrigo Louvaino described his recent service and asked for confirmation to a full term, saying he considers it an honor to make decisions that "factor in offender rehabilitation while placing an emphasis on public safety and victim impact."

Senator Wallace questioned the board about delays in releasing people who have served their sentences, asking whether resource gaps — for example halfway houses or mental‑health placements — are keeping statutorily‑eligible people in custody. "It is fair to say we need more resources from you," Wallace said in pursuing the exchange.

Committee members and board members agreed much of the delay stems from cases awaiting an approved parole plan prepared by the Division of Adult Parole or from individuals completing required programming. Board members noted they review "tabled" release lists monthly and apply statutory factors guiding their decisions.

The committee's vice chair moved the reappointments and the roll call produced a unanimous favorable recommendation to the full Senate; the vice chair later recommended the appointments for the consent calendar, though the chair said the committee would keep them off consent to allow floor discussion.

The nominations now go to the full Senate for final action.