Victims of stalking and domestic violence will be able to breathe easier with the enactment of legislation denying bail between conviction and sentencing for perpetrators of felony stalking or domestic violence. Gov. John Hickenlooper signed House Bill 1150 on Wednesday, closing a potential loophole that let judges grant bail to felony stalking and domestic violence convicts who are awaiting sentencing.

It can take weeks before a sentence is meted out, leaving victims in limbo — and in fear for their safety — under current law.

HB 1150, introduced in the House by state Rep. Clarice Navarro, R-Pueblo, won unanimous support in both chambers. The new law takes effect Aug. 9.

A House GOP press release quotes Navarro:

“This new law will be a sigh of relief to many victims who after enduring the stress of a criminal trial, won’t have to fear retaliation from their attacker. … I am grateful to all the stakeholders and legislators who participated in this process and hope this new law empowers more victims of stalking and domestic violence to report the abuse they have suffered.”