Gov. Jared Polis has signed into law what supporters have billed as a first of its kind “Bill of Rights” in the country for K-12 students who have run into some trouble with the law. 

Senate Bill 1216 requires public and charter school districts to provide “justice-involved” students with “alternative solutions” to a traditional education.

This includes enrollment or re-enrollment within 10 business days of the student’s request, appropriate credit for coursework a student has completed while engaged with the criminal justice system, and a plan for graduation. The bill also requires districts to allow these students to participate in career readiness pathways in accordance with State Board of Education rules.

“Justice-involved” students — the phrase advocates prefer — refers to youth who have been accused or adjudicated or engaged in any way with the criminal justice system.    

Under the new law, districts must also include information on services and resources available to such students on their websites, and the Department of Education is required to provide guidance to educators on how to accommodate them so they can participate in school activities, such as graduation ceremonies, sporting events, and after-school activities. 

“This bill is very important because it can help students like my son,” said Diva Small, the parent of a student involved in the criminal justice system. “Unfortunately, the system failed him when he was attending school and he is now serving time in prison. My hope is that with this legislation, other parents will not have to go through what we experienced.” 

Under the law, the Colorado Department of Education is charged with creating a hotline for these students and tracking their graduation rates. According to Colorado Youth for a Change, 66% of the students drop out of school, and just 1% go on to receive a college degree.

“It has been real blessing to work on this bill because I can relate directly to this legislation,” said bill sponsor Sen. James Coleman, D-Denver. “I was kicked out of public school in sixth grade and forced to choose either a private school or a justice program. Fortunately, I got a scholarship to a small private school but not every kid has that choice and this legislation will help create a pathway to high school completion for justice-engaged students, ensuring they have the support they need to succeed.”

The bill was sponsored in the House by Denver Democrats Reps. Jennifer Bacon and Tim Hernandez.