criminal justice
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Progressives see many victories, big losses | 2023 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
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Colorado’s 2023 legislature is perhaps the most progressive the state has seen. Democrats this year achieved the largest majority the state has seen in 85 years and many first-year lawmakers pushed the Capitol to the left ideologically. Despite this, the progressive agenda often faced an uphill battle throughout the session, with key pieces of legislation…
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Restrictions on no-knock search warrants pass Colorado legislature
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Three years ago, Breonna Taylor was fatally shot in her Kentucky apartment by police executing a no-knock warrant for her ex-boyfriend. Taylor’s death inspired national outrage and debate on the use of search warrants that allow police to forcibly enter people’s homes without warning. Colorado lawmakers are now tackling the issue with Senate Bill 254. If made…
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Bill passes to make falsely reporting mass shootings a felony in Colorado
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Months after more than a dozen Colorado schools were victim of a coordinated false report claiming active shooters were attacking students, the state legislature has voted to increase the penalty for such crimes. If signed into law, Senate Bill 249 would make it a felony offense to knowingly falsely report a mass shooting in Colorado. The House…
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Colorado Democrats OK bill to prevent police from lying to minors during interrogations
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After more than a year of trying, Colorado Democrats passed a bill Monday to restrict police from lying to minors during interrogations. If signed into law by the governor, House Bill 1042 would make any statements obtained by juveniles during custodial interrogations inadmissible in court if law enforcement knowingly presented untruthful information to the juvenile during the interrogation…
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Colorado House OKs increasing minimum age to criminally charge kids after heated debate
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The Colorado House approved a bill on Monday to stop charging children under 13 with most crimes, advancing it to the Senate for consideration. Currently, the minimum age for criminal prosecution in Colorado is 10. House Bill 1249 would raise the age to 13, except when a child is suspected of committing homicide. This would remove children aged…
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Colorado advances proposal raising minimum age to criminally charge kids to 13
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Colorado could soon stop charging children under 13 with most crimes, if a bill passed by a House committee becomes law. Currently, the minimum age for criminal prosecution in Colorado is 10. House Bill 1249 would raise the age to 13, except when a child is suspected of committing homicide. This would remove children aged 10, 11 and 12…
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Colorado lawmakers target indecent exposure in front of children
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In January 2020, two Larimer County sisters ages 14 and 16 were sitting in a parking lot eating a snack after school when a strange man drove up to them. The man raised his pelvis to his window and exposed his genitals to the girls, masturbating in front of them. The man was immediately apprehended…
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Colorado legislature OKs reducing prison sentences for inmates pursuing higher education
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Colorado has among the worst recidivism rates in the country, with over 50% of people released from prison ending up back behind bars within three years. On Friday, Colorado lawmakers passed a bill supporters say would help change that. If signed into law, House Bill 1037 would reduce prison sentences for non-violent offenders who complete higher education while incarcerated.…
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Colorado report explores gaps in services if children can’t be criminally charged until 13
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A task force studying the gaps in services if policymakers raise the minimum age that Colorado children can be charged with crimes released its final report, recommending a slew of changes to mitigate potential impacts. The Pre-Adolescent Task Force was created by House Bill 22-1131, passed by the legislature in June. The bill originally sought…
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Colorado expands access to DNA testing after criminal convictions
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Colorado updated its post-conviction DNA testing law for the first time since it was established in 2003, with the signage of House Bill 1034 on Friday. Under the current law, only three people in Colorado have been exonerated of crimes for DNA-related reasons in the last two decades. Beginning on Oct. 1, 2023, the bill will increase eligibility for…