vbustamante, Author at Stand for Children Colorado

Why One DPS Parent and CDAC Member Supports Bell-to-Bell Phone-Free Schools

Phone Free Schools | 06/1/2026

Vallerie Bustamante Digital Organizing Manager

Over the past several months, Denver Public Schools put together the Communications Devices Advisory Committee (CDAC) to tackle a question many districts across the country are wrestling with: What role should cell phones play in schools?

The committee, made up of parents, educators, mental health professionals, and community members, spent months reviewing research, hearing from stakeholders, and discussing what would best support student learning and well-being. Ultimately, the committee recommended a districtwide bell-to-bell, away-all-day phone-free policy.

As the DPS Board of Education considers the recommendation, some board members have expressed concerns about student pushback and whether such a policy is realistic for high schools.

One CDAC member, DPS parent Sarah, recently shared a message with board members urging them to stay the course.

As both a parent and a participant in the committee process, Sarah believes the district has a responsibility to act on what it has learned.

“As I listened to the May 20 board meeting, I heard some board members share concerns that students really don’t want this policy. As the parent of a high school student, I hear this regularly myself,” she wrote.

But Sarah argues that student resistance should not be confused with what is best for students.

“We adults have collectively enabled a reliance on and an addiction to these devices by our teens. We have built systems that make students feel like the phone is ever more important to be able to navigate their daily lives. But now that we know better, we as the adults MUST do better.”

Her message speaks to a growing concern among parents, educators, and mental health professionals: many young people have never experienced a school day without the constant presence of a smartphone.

Sarah shared examples she has heard from students who worry about how they would find friends during lunch or navigate their day without texting.

“Kids are telling you they cannot be without their phones because many have never been forced to learn how,” she wrote. “I have heard comments like, ‘How would I find my friends at lunchtime?’ Are we really okay with preparing students who lack the creativity and skills to meet up with friends without a phone?”

Importantly, Sarah pushes back on the idea that the committee failed to listen to students.

In fact, she says student voices played a critical role in shaping the recommendation.

“The kids admitted the policies some high schools currently have to put phones away just during instructional time are not effective. The recommendations came from what we heard from students.”

That finding echoes what we’ve heard from families and educators across Colorado. Policies that allow phone use during passing periods, lunch, and other parts of the school day often create inconsistency and make enforcement more difficult. Bell-to-bell policies provide clear expectations for everyone.

Another concern raised during board discussions has been implementation. Can a district as large and diverse as Denver successfully implement a bell-to-bell policy at the high school level?

Sarah believes the answer is yes.

“At this point, 22 states have passed a K-12 bell-to-bell policy and more are moving in this direction every day.”

She points to examples across the country—including some of the nation’s largest school districts—that have successfully adopted similar policies and seen positive outcomes.

“DPS high schools are not being asked in any way to do something revolutionary here. And it works.”

At Stand for Children Colorado, we’ve heard similar stories from districts across the state and nation. Educators report improvements in student engagement, classroom focus, and face-to-face interaction when phones are removed from the school day.

For Sarah, however, the conversation is ultimately bigger than implementation logistics.

It’s about preparing students for life beyond high school.

“As more and more districts and states move to bell-to-bell, high school kids who do not learn how to engage and interact device-free and to survive without their devices for a sustained period of time are going to be at a distinct disadvantage when entering post-secondary education and the workforce.”

Her message concludes with a challenge to district leaders:

“Please do not shy away from something that is unequivocally better for kids’ mental well-being and learning because it seems logistically complicated or because kids are resisting due to the ways we adults have failed them.”

Denver Public Schools created the CDAC because it recognized the importance of getting this decision right. The committee did the work. It listened to students, families, educators, and experts. It reviewed research and wrestled with difficult questions.

Now, as the Board of Education considers the recommendation, it has an opportunity to honor that process and put student well-being first.

As Sarah reminds us:

“Now that we know better, we must do better.”

“Families Like Mine Deserve That Chance”: Claudia Carrillo on SB26-115 and the Power of Second Chances

In Their Own Words | 05/8/2026

Claudia Carrillo Stand Fellow

Today, the House Judiciary Committee will hear SB26-115 Post-Conviction Relief for Certain Offenders. This bill updates Colorado law to expand access to post-conviction relief for eligible individuals after a criminal conviction. The bill allows certain offenders to seek sentence reconsideration or relief under specified conditions, creating an additional legal pathway for courts to review cases after sentencing.

Stand Fellow, Claudia Carrillo shared deeply personal testimony about growing up with an incarcerated parent, the lifelong impact incarceration has on families, and why Colorado must believe in growth, accountability, and second chances. Her story is a powerful reminder that behind every sentence is a family carrying the weight of separation, hope, and the possibility of transformation.

Claudia’s written testimony is attached below.

“My name is Claudia Carrillo, and I am a community advocate and leader in Denver.

I am here today in support of Colorado Senate Bill 26-115.

I also stand here as the daughter of an incarcerated parent.

My dad has been incarcerated since I was in second grade.

He was young when he made the decision that changed all of our lives.

We grew up in poverty, and like many families, we did not know what resources were available to us.

My dad made choices trying to provide for his family, and those choices came with serious consequences.

But that is not where the story ends.

Despite being incarcerated, my father never stopped being a parent.

He encouraged me to do better, to stay in school, and to build a different path.

My journey wasn’t perfect. I faced challenges, became a young parent, and had to find my own way. But I kept going.

Today, I give back to my community and help others find the resources that my family didn’t have.

While my father serves his sentence inside, my family and I have carried a sentence on the outside.

And as time passes, that weight changes—but it doesn’t go away.

It is stressful knowing your parent is getting older in prison.

It is hard to answer the phone sometimes, not knowing what you might hear on the other end, or what might be happening to someone you love.

My father is now getting older. He is a grandfather who has already missed out on so much.

But he has also grown. He has changed. And he has spent years reflecting on his actions.

That is what this bill recognizes.

SB26-115 is not about automatic release. It is about giving people—especially those who were young at the time—a second chance to be reviewed after decades of time served.

A chance to be seen not just for their worst decision, but for who they are today.

Families like mine deserve that chance.

I ask you to be the change we say we want for our youth. To believe in growth, in change, and in second chances.

Because when you give one person a second chance, you restore a family and strengthen a community.

Please support Colorado Senate Bill 26-115.

Thank you—from the second grader my father left behind to the woman I have become today.”

4/7 CDAC Update: How Denver Is Shaping Its Cell Phone Policy

Phone Free Schools | 04/8/2026

Vallerie Bustamante Digital Organizing Manager

Last night, the DPS Communication Devices Advisory Committee (CDAC) held its final meeting and official finalized its recommendations to the Board of Education.

Here is what happened:

CDAC members worked through final language and aligned on a set of recommendations that reflect months of input from students, families, and educators. Across the conversation, there was clear agreement on the need for a strong, consistent approach to student device use across the district.

The final recommendations center on a bell-to-bell expectation, where phones and personal devices are off and away from the first bell to the last bell, including passing periods, lunch, and all school-day activities. Members also emphasized that this policy should:

Prioritize student learning, mental health, and in-person connection
Be implemented consistently across all schools with clear expectations and accountability
Focus on support and wellbeing, not punishment
Include strong communication, training, and ongoing evaluation

There was also alignment on clearly defining what counts as a personal device and ensuring expectations apply across the entire school campus.

Overall, the direction from CDAC was clear: consistency and clarity are essential for this policy to work.

Now, the decision moves to the DPS Board of Education.

Take action: Urge the Board to adopt a strong, districtwide K–12 bell-to-bell policy that reflects the CDAC’s recommendations.

This is a key moment to make sure these recommendations turn into real, districtwide policy for every student.

Capitol Week In Review: Week 10

Capitol Week in Review | 03/23/2026

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Welcome to Capitol Week In Review, our newsletter where we’ll cut through the noise to bring you clear, timely updates on what’s moving and what it means for educational equity and efforts to increase opportunities for Colorado families.

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

Priority legislative update

Our justice reform agenda is gaining traction as one of our priority bill advances through the legislative process.

HB26- 1232 Court Costs Assessed to Juveniles would prohibit Colorado courts and the state from assessing or collecting administrative fees, costs, and surcharges against juveniles involved in the justice system or their parents, guardians, or legal custodians. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary on Monday, March 23 at 1:30pm.

Legislation of Interest

SB26-135 State Public K-12 Education Funding would refer a 2026 ballot measure asking voters to allow the state to retain revenue above the TABOR spending limit equal to the amount spent on K-12 public education, while also protecting the Family Affordability Tax Credit in Colorado. If approved, the state could use those retained funds to increase K-12 funding by up to 2% annually for 10 years, with districts required to spend the additional money on priorities such as teacher pay, teacher retention, smaller class sizes, and expanded career and technical education (CTE). By including education funding in the official ‘math,’ the state also ensures that spending more on schools doesn’t accidentally trigger a cut to this tax credit. This bill passed the Senate Finance Committee with a vote of 6-3 and is awaiting scheduling in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

SB26-068 Modify Administration of Education Assessments aims to limit Colorado summative assessments and, if needed, to apply for a federal waiver to reduce or modify those assessment requirements. This bill passed the Senate Education Committee with a vote of 4-3.

HB26-1050 Optional Individualized Readiness Plan for School would change current education law so that local education providers are no longer required to create an individualized readiness plan for preschool or kindergarten students who score proficient on both a school readiness assessment and a kindergarten reading assessment. Instead, providing such a plan for those students becomes optional rather than mandatory. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, March 25th at 1:30pm.

Our Take: Colorado’s Budget Crunch: A Defining Moment for Our Priorities

This week, Colorado released its latest budget forecast, setting the stage for the final decisions lawmakers will make on the state budget. The update confirms what many anticipated: this is a tight budget year and the situation is more challenging than expected.

The forecast shows that the state’s budget shortfall has grown to nearly $1.5 billion, driven by slowing revenue growth, rising costs, and ongoing constraints from TABOR. This means lawmakers will have to make difficult decisions in the weeks ahead about what gets funded, and what doesn’t.

From this latest forecast, a few things are clear:

Revenue outlook: State revenue is coming in lower than previously projected, largely due to slower economic growth and declining collections in key areas like income and sales taxes. At the same time, TABOR limits how much of that revenue the state can retain and spend, even in years when collections are higher.

Budget gap: Colorado is now facing a shortfall of nearly $1.5 billion. This gap reflects the difference between what it will cost to maintain current services and what the state is allowed to spend under existing constraints.

Pressure on priorities: With limited resources, core priorities like education, healthcare, and public safety are all competing for funding. In years like this, even maintaining existing investments, let alone making new ones, becomes a challenge.

Colorado is required to pass a balanced budget every year, which means when revenues shift, lawmakers must quickly adjust. Moments like this reveal what our state truly prioritizes. When budgets get tight, the risk is that investments in students, especially those who have been historically underserved, become easier to pause, delay, or scale back. But we know that pulling back on education doesn’t just impact this year’s budget; it impacts long-term outcomes for students, families, and our workforce.

This is why it is critical that lawmakers protect and prioritize investments that directly support student success, including early literacy, ninth grade success, and the resources schools need to create strong learning environments.

At the same time, this forecast is a reminder of the structural challenges Colorado faces. Even in years when revenue grows, policies like TABOR limit the state’s ability to make consistent, long-term investments in public education.

As decisions are made in the coming weeks, we will be watching closely and continuing to advocate for a budget that reflects our values: one that puts students and families first and ensures every child has the opportunity to succeed, no matter the fiscal environment.

Take Action

Families and community members across Colorado are having important conversations about how phone use during the school day impacts learning, focus, and student wellbeing.

To continue this conversation, we are hosting another virtual Phone-Free Schools information session on March 25 from 12-1pm, and we invite you to join us.

During our last session, a student from Boulder Valley School District shared what it’s like to attend a bell-to-bell phone-free school and how it has affected her learning. She said: “Honestly, the impacts it made to my life is that I’m able to study better. I’m able to listen to teachers better without knowing that someone next to me is using their phone or playing video games. It’s just a lot better to be very immersed in what you’re learning, and I find that very helpful in my learning experience.“

What We’re Reading

Colorado Sun, Colorado lawmakers reject bill that would have required police to intervene when ICE agents use excessive force
Colorado Sun, Colorado’s state budget shortfall grows to more than $1.5 billion, forcing legislature to make much deeper cuts
Chalkbeat Colorado, Six Colorado nonprofits that mobilize young people are launching a new statewide coalition

Capitol Week In Review: Week 8

Capitol Week in Review | 03/13/2026

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

Priority legislative update

Our justice reform agenda is gaining traction as both of our priority bills advance through the Capitol:

HB26- 1017 Criminal Restitution Prohibited for Insurers would change how criminal restitution works by removing insurance companies from the definition of a “victim” for restitution purposes. Under the bill, insurers could no longer collect restitution through the criminal courts when they suffer losses; instead, they could pursue those losses through civil lawsuits against offenders if necessary. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday, March 9th at 1:30pm.

HB26-1232 Court Costs Assessed to Juveniles would prohibit Colorado courts and the state from assessing or collecting administrative fees, costs, and surcharges against juveniles involved in the justice system or their parents, guardians, or legal custodians . This bill is scheduled to be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on Wednesday, March 18th at 1:30pm.

Legislation of Interest

SB26-135 State Public K-12 Education Funding would refer a 2026 ballot measure asking voters to allow the state to retain revenue above the TABOR spending limit equal to the amount spent on K-12 public education, while also protecting the Family Affordability Tax Credit here in Colorado. If approved, the state could use those retained funds to increase K-12 funding by up to 2% annually for 10 years, with districts required to spend the additional money on priorities such as teacher pay, teacher retention, smaller class sizes, and expanded career and technical education (CTE). By including education funding in the official ‘math,’ the state also ensures that spending more on schools doesn’t accidentally trigger a cut to this tax credit. The Family Affordability Tax Credit will also become more stable for families even as school budgets grow. This bill was introduced and is awaiting scheduling in the Senate Finance Committee.

HB26-1291 Educator Performance Evaluation would extend educator performance evaluations to every three years in Colorado schools. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee on Thursday, March 12th at 1:30pm.

SB26-068 Modify Administration of Education Assessments aims to limit Colorado summative assessments and, if needed, to apply for a federal waiver to reduce or modify those assessment requirements. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Education Committee on Monday, March 9th at 1:30pm.

Our Take: Free Prison Phone Calls

Keeping families connected should never come at the cost of financial hardship. During a recent hearing, the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) received a staff recommendation from the Governor’s office to permanently fund prison phone calls at only 75%, a level that would force Colorado families to continue paying millions of dollars in phone fees in the first year alone just to stay connected with incarcerated loved ones.

For years, families—disproportionately Black, brown, and low-income—were charged excessive rates simply to make a phone call to someone in prison. In 2023, advocates and lawmakers worked to change that by passing legislation (HB23-1133) to make prison phone calls free in Colorado, recognizing that regular communication strengthens families, supports rehabilitation, and improves safety inside correctional facilities.

We have been part of this fight from the beginning. Since 2023, we have worked alongside partners, impacted families, and lawmakers to push for the funding necessary to fully implement free prison phone calls and ensure this policy delivers on its promise.

That’s why we were encouraged to see all four Democratic members of the JBC vote to prioritize affordability and keep families connected. Protecting this funding keeps Colorado moving toward fully free phone calls in the state prisons, an evidence-based policy that strengthens families, supports successful reentry, and improves public safety.

Take Action

Now that HB26- 1017 Criminal Restitution Prohibited for Insurers, is moving through the legislature, we are asking the Senate Judiciary committee to keep the momentum going. Colorado has the opportunity to move from permanent punishment to real restoration, but lawmakers need to hear from you today.

What We’re Reading

CPR, Educators, lawmakers unveil bill that would untie education funding from TABOR rules
CPR, After-school funding for more than 5,000 Colorado children at risk of being cut
Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado bill would tee up merger of over 100 higher education and workforce programs
Chalkbeat Colorado, Should students spend less time testing? Some Colorado lawmakers want a statewide review

Capitol Week In Review: Week 7

Capitol Week in Review | 03/13/2026

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

Priority legislative update

One of our justice reform priority bills passed an important hurdle and is one step closer to the finish line:

HB26- 1017 Criminal Restitution Prohibited for Insurers would change how criminal restitution works by removing insurance companies from the definition of a “victim” for restitution purposes. Under the bill, insurers could no longer collect restitution through the criminal courts when they suffer losses; instead, they could pursue those losses through civil lawsuits against offenders if necessary. This bill passed the House with bipartisan support on a vote of 44-20-1 and is on its way to the next chamber, the Senate.

Legislation of Interest

SB26-068 Modify Administration of Education Assessments would direct the Colorado Department of Education to limit standardized summative assessments to only the minimum extent necessary while still effectively measuring student learning, and, if needed, to apply for a federal waiver to reduce or modify those assessment requirements. This bill is scheduled to be heard in the Senate Education committee on March 9th at 1:30pm.

SB26-005 Rights Violation in Immigration Enforcement Remedy would allow people to sue in Colorado state courts if they believe their federal constitutional rights were violated during civil immigration enforcement, even if the person who caused the harm wasn’t acting under “color of law” (the appearance of having legal power). The bill creates a new cause of action with a two-year time limit for starting the case and lets plaintiffs seek legal, equitable, or other appropriate relief for injuries tied to immigration enforcement activities. This bill passed the Senate on a vote of 20-11-3 and is on its way to the next chamber, the House.

HB26-1064 Youthful Offender System Updates would update the state’s youthful offender system, which is a sentencing option focused on rehabilitation for younger justice-involved individuals. The bill revises eligibility and intent language to emphasize trauma-informed care, equitable treatment, and preparation for reentry, adds requirements for evidence-based rehabilitative and life-skills programming, and expands procedural protections and reporting requirements to better support juveniles and young adults in the system. This bill passed the Senate Judiciary committee with a vote of 5-2.

SB26-115 Post-Conviction Relief for Certain Offenders updates Colorado law to expand access to post-conviction relief for eligible individuals after a criminal conviction. The bill allows certain offenders to seek sentence reconsideration or relief under specified conditions, creating an additional legal pathway for courts to review cases after sentencing. This bill passed out of Senate Judiciary with a vote of 4-3 and is awaiting scheduling in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Our Take

This week, lawmakers advanced SB26-115, a bill focused on expanding access to post-conviction relief for eligible individuals in Colorado’s justice system.

Our justice system should allow room for accountability and second chances. SB26-115 creates a clearer pathway for courts to reconsider certain sentences when circumstances warrant review, ensuring people are not permanently defined by past mistakes when growth, rehabilitation, or fairness call for reconsideration.

We believe strong communities are built when policies promote rehabilitation, stability, and opportunity. Thoughtful sentence review processes help individuals move forward, strengthen families, and support safer communities across our state.

Take Action: Expand Fair Access to Post-Conviction Relief

Colorado has an opportunity to strengthen fairness and accountability in our justice system by passing SB26-115.

The bill is heading to the Senate floor soon, and lawmakers need to hear from YOU!

Tell them:

Colorado should support fair opportunities for rehabilitation
Courts should have tools to reconsider sentences when appropriate
Second chances strengthen families and communities

What We’re Reading

3/10 CDAC Update: How Denver Is Shaping Its Cell Phone Policy

Phone Free Schools | 03/13/2026

Vallerie Bustamante Digital Organizing Manager

The Communication Devices Advisory Committee (CDAC) met for its fifth meeting on March 10 to continue shaping recommendations for Denver Public Schools’ upcoming communication device policy. The committee heard presentations from district leaders in academics, technology, and safety to better understand how devices impact learning environments and student wellbeing.

Public Comment Highlights

District leaders emphasized that students already have access to all required learning materials through district-provided devices, meaning personal phones are not necessary for instruction. DPS maintains a 1:1 Chromebook program with more than 80,000 devices to ensure equitable access to digital tools, assessments, and curriculum across schools.

The meeting also explored how the district approaches digital citizenship and emerging technology like artificial intelligence, with the goal of helping students navigate digital spaces responsibly while ensuring technology supports, rather than replaces, human connection in the classroom.

Safety was another key focus. District safety leaders shared how personal phones can create challenges during emergencies, including spreading rumors, overwhelming emergency services, or distracting students from important safety instructions. They also discussed how district-managed devices allow for safety monitoring and intervention tools that are not available on personal devices. Committee members also discussed implementation challenges, equity considerations, and the importance of balancing technology access with opportunities for human connection and focused learning environments. The conversation highlighted that while technology plays an important role in education, student-to-student and student-to-teacher interaction remains essential for learning and wellbeing.

Next Steps

The committee will continue refining recommendations in upcoming meetings and community sessions. Final recommendations from the council will be presented to the Board of Education on April 15th, with an anticipated vote on first reading on April 23rd, and with the goal of informing a districtwide communication device policy for DPS by the end of May. There will not be public comment during the next two CDAC meetings, but members of the DPS Board of Education are hosting community engagement events where you can share feedback:

Monday, March 23 from 5:30-8pm in SE Denver with Director Kimberlee Sia at Slavens K-8 Schools (3000 S Clayton St.)
Monday, April 6 from 5:30-8pm in Central Denver with Director Dr. DJ Torres at George Washington High School (655 S Monaco Pkwy)
Monday, April 13 from 5:30-8pm in NW Denver with Director Marlene De La Rosa at North High School (2960 N Speer Blvd)
Wednesday, April 29 from 5:30-8pm with Board President Xochitl Gaytan at Florence Crittenton High School (55 S Zuni St.)

We’ll continue to monitor CDAC’s progress and share updates as the conversation moves forward. As always, thank you for staying engaged in this important work for DPS students and families.

“No Child Should Carry Financial Debt”: Testimony in Support of HB26-1232

In Their Own Words | 03/10/2026

Stand for Children

Today, the House Judiciary Committee heard HB26-1232 Court Costs Assessed to Juveniles.

When young people become involved in the justice system, the goal should be rehabilitation and opportunity, not financial punishment. Yet across Colorado, some families continue to face court costs and fees tied to mistakes their children made before turning eighteen, despite prior reforms intended to eliminate these burdens. House Bill 26-1232 takes an important step toward closing these gaps and ensuring that children and their families are not saddled with debt for actions committed during childhood. Hunter Ambrose, one of Stand’s Policy Fellow submitted written testimony before the legislature, sharing why this bill matters; not only as a policy change, but as a step toward a more just system that supports healing, accountability, and opportunity for young people and their families.

Hunters written testimony is attached below.

“Good afternoon Chair and members of the committee. My name is Hunter Ambrose. I am here today in support of House Bill 26-1232. I want to thank you for the opportunity to speak on a policy that strengthens Colorado’s commitment to meaningful juvenile justice reform.

This bill is simple, but incredibly important. It ensures that court costs and fees are not assessed to juveniles who commit offenses before the age of eighteen. Colorado has already taken steps to eliminate many of these harmful fees, but gaps still exist in practice. Families continue to fall through the cracks, and some are still being charged fees that should not be imposed.

House Bill 26-1232 closes those gaps.

No child should carry financial debt because they made a mistake while they were still a child. And families should not be punished financially while trying to support their children through difficult moments.

I can speak to this issue not only as an advocate, but as someone with lived experience in the juvenile justice system. My story and my experiences navigating that system are documented in my book, Relentless: Surviving the Los Angeles Foster Care System and Emancipation. I know firsthand how systems can either create opportunity for healing and growth, or they can deepen the challenges that families are already facing.

When we impose court costs and financial penalties on children and their families, we are not promoting accountability. We are creating additional financial barriers for families who are often already struggling. Parents and guardians should be focused on helping their children move forward — supporting their education, stability, and growth — not worrying about how they will pay court-imposed fees for mistakes made during childhood.

Colorado has already recognized that these fees are harmful by passing HB21-1315, bi-partisan legislation that eliminated certain juvenile fees and costs and forgave an estimated $10.4 million in outstanding debt. The right thing to do now is ensure that there are no gaps in implementation.

House Bill 26-1232 strengthens trust in our justice system by ensuring that policies meant to protect children are actually followed consistently across the state. Children are still developing. They make mistakes. Our justice system should focus on rehabilitation and opportunity, not financial punishment.

I am asking you to vote yes on House Bill 26-1232 and continue moving Colorado toward a more just and equitable juvenile justice system. Thank you for your time and for your commitment to Colorado’s youth and families.”

Rebuilding After Prison — And the Restitution System That Stands in the Way

In Their Own Words | 03/10/2026

Stand for Children

Yesterday, the Senate Judiciary Committee heard HB26-1017 Criminal Restitution Prohibited for Insurers. The bill addresses issues in Colorado’s restitution system by prioritizing payments to direct victims rather than institutional payors like insurance companies that have already compensated victims.

Aaron gave testimony in support of the bill, sharing his experience navigating Colorado’s restitution system after incarceration and describing how restitution orders can grow indefinitely due to interest and payments directed toward institutional claims rather than victims. His testimony highlights how current restitution structures can create lifelong, unpayable debt that undermines rehabilitation and reentry, even for individuals who have served their sentences and are working to rebuild their lives.

Aaron’s written testimony is attached below.

“Chair Weissman, members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to share my experience with Colorado’s restitution system. I am here today in support of HB26-1017.

In 2018, I was convicted of vehicular assault and sentenced to twelve years in the Department of Corrections. I take full responsibility for what I did. I hurt people, and I served my time. While incarcerated, I earned my bachelor’s degree in computer science, served as a wildland firefighter, and prepared myself to re-enter society as a productive citizen. I am now out, employed, and I have not reoffended.

The Numbers That Expose the System

The court ultimately ordered $298,710 in restitution in my case. Of that amount, only $6,205 was direct victim restitution — money owed to the people I actually hurt. I have paid $5,245 of that, leaving a balance of $959.73. The remaining $292,505 — over 98% of the original order — was ordered to government agencies and insurance programs through subrogation claims. These are entities like TRICARE and military medical programs that had already compensated the victims through their existing coverage. I have paid nothing toward those claims — not because I refused to, but because the system directs my payments to direct victims first.

Under Colorado law, restitution accrues interest at 8% per year. As of today, the interest alone on the insurance subrogation portion is $179,403 — nearly thirty times the entire amount of direct victim restitution in my case. My total balance now stands at $475,739. I pay $100 per month. The state intercepts my tax refunds and has placed liens on my property. At this rate, the debt grows faster than I could ever pay it, even if I dedicated every spare dollar I earn to restitution for the rest of my life.

The Lifelong Consequences

This debt is not dischargeable in bankruptcy. It does not expire. It follows me until my death — and for two years beyond it. I cannot build credit. I cannot purchase a home. The 8% statutory interest rate compounds on a balance I can never meaningfully reduce. Every year, I fall further behind despite doing everything the system asks of me.

I served twelve years. I came out and rebuilt my life. I am working, I am paying, and I have stayed out of trouble. But the system is not designed for me to succeed. It is designed for a debt to grow in perpetuity — not to make victims whole, but to serve as a permanent collection mechanism for institutional payors that have already been compensated through their own programs.

I Tried to Work Within the System

I want this Committee to know that I did not simply accept this situation. I tried to resolve it through the process Colorado law provides. Under Section 18-1.3-603, restitution may be reduced with the consent of the prosecuting attorney and the victim. So I hired an attorney and attempted to negotiate lump-sum settlements with the agencies listed on my restitution order.

My attorney contacted the District Attorney’s restitution office. He left voicemails. He sent emails. He followed up repeatedly. The restitution office manager never responded. My attorney then attempted to reach the agencies directly. They had no obligation to negotiate, and they did not engage.

My own attorney ultimately advised me that pursuing a settlement was not worth the legal fees, because the agencies receiving my restitution have no incentive to negotiate. And why would they? They hold a permanent judgment backed by the State of Colorado, accruing 8% annual interest, with automatic enforcement through tax intercepts, liens, and wage garnishments. No private creditor in America has that kind of collection power. There is no reason for any institutional payor to accept a reduced settlement when the alternative is a guaranteed, state-enforced, interest-bearing judgment that never expires.

I spent money I did not have on legal counsel to try to resolve this debt responsibly. The system gave me no path to do so. The statute requires consent that will never be given, because the system removes every incentive to give it.

Restitution Is Not a Collection Agency

Colorado’s restitution statute declares three purposes: to make victims whole, to deter future criminal conduct, and to rehabilitate offenders. See § 18-1.3-601, C.R.S. In my case, the system is accomplishing none of them.

The victims have already been made whole. Their medical costs were covered by their insurance programs. The direct victim restitution owed to them was $6,205, and I have paid all but $959.73. Of my total $475,739 balance, 99.2% goes to government agencies and insurance programs — not to any person I harmed.

The debt does not deter future criminal conduct. I served twelve years in prison. That is the deterrent. An unpayable financial obligation growing at 8% per year on top of a completed prison sentence does not add meaningful deterrence. It adds despair.

And the debt actively undermines rehabilitation. The legislature recognized that restitution should serve as a “mechanism for the rehabilitation of offenders.” A permanent, mathematically unpayable debt that prevents someone from building credit, purchasing a home, or achieving financial stability does the opposite. It punishes reentry. It punishes the very behavior the system is supposed to encourage.

When restitution stops serving its statutory purposes and becomes an indefinite revenue stream for institutional payors, it is no longer restitution. It is a collection agency operating under the authority of a criminal sentence. That is not what this legislature intended when it enacted the restitution statute, and it is not what justice requires.

Why I Support HB26-1017

HB26-1017 takes a critical step toward fixing this system. The bill’s legislative declaration states the right principle: direct victims should be prioritized, and insurance companies that compensated victims through their business operations should recover losses through civil remedies rather than criminal restitution orders. That principle is sound, and it is long overdue.

Criminal restitution was designed to make victims whole. It was not designed to give institutional payors a permanent, state-enforced collection mechanism with 8% guaranteed interest and no expiration date. This bill begins to restore the system to its intended purpose by ensuring that restitution dollars go to the people who were actually harmed, not to insurance companies that have already been compensated through their own business models.

I urge this Committee to pass HB26-1017.

Closing

I did something terrible. I went to prison for it. I paid my debt to the people I hurt. I came home and built a life. I hired a lawyer and tried to resolve the remaining debt through the process the law provides. The system would not let me.

HB26-1017 is a meaningful step toward a restitution system that serves its actual purpose — making victims whole, not enriching institutions at the expense of people who are trying to rebuild their lives. I support this bill, and I ask you to pass it.”

Thank you for your time and your consideration.

2/24 CDAC Update: How Denver Is Shaping Its Cell Phone Policy

Phone Free Schools | 03/5/2026

Vallerie Bustamante Digital Organizing Manager

We are continuing to summarize the on-going work of the DPS Communication Devices Advisory Committee (CDAC). Below is a summary of key discussions and themes from the February 24, 2026 meeting.

Public Comment Highlights

A parent spoke in support of a bell-to-bell phone-free approach, emphasizing that during emergencies families should communicate through the school’s front office rather than student cell phones. Research and school safety guidance were referenced noting that phones can increase confusion, noise, and misinformation during emergencies. The speaker also shared a desire for students to remain attentive to educators throughout the school day.

Community Engagement

The district reported receiving 385 responses to the community feedback form, demonstrating strong interest and engagement from families and community members.

Student Perspectives: Benefits & Concerns

Students acknowledged that limiting phone use could lead to increased attention and focus in classrooms, stronger academic honesty, improved peer connection and community building, and greater engagement in learning that could ultimately support improved grades. At the same time, students expressed concerns about reduced communication with parents during emergencies, potential impacts on students who rely on technology for creative or alternative learning styles, worries about being less prepared for technology use in future careers, and fears that restrictive policies could alienate students or negatively impact their sense of belonging.

Fishbowl Exercise Highlights

During the fishbowl exercise, committee members engaged directly with students to better understand their experiences and perspectives. Students emphasized a strong desire for autonomy and described a deep sense of identity connected to their phones as tools for communication, organization, and daily planning. Safety and communication remained central themes, and many students shared feelings of anxiety about losing access to their devices during the school day. Students also expressed that consistent expectations across all schools would feel fairer and easier to follow. Many welcomed the idea of digital citizenship and technology literacy education, acknowledging that while phones may be limited at school, students still navigate digital spaces outside of school. Conversations also surfaced differences between normal classroom distraction and digital distraction, with recognition that instruction-only policies often result in inconsistent enforcement from classroom to classroom.

Policy Language Discussion

Small groups began discussing how policy language should be framed, focusing on creating clear expectations, ensuring consistency across schools, and balancing student wellbeing, learning environments, and communication needs.

Next Steps

The community feedback form will remain open through February 27, and committee members will review additional resources ahead of the next meeting on March 10, 2026. The committee will continue working toward final recommendations to the Board of Education, which are expected to be presented in April.

There is still time to sign up to give public comment at the upcoming CDAC meeting. Register here.

We’ll continue to monitor CDAC’s progress and share updates as the conversation moves forward. As always, thank you for staying engaged in this important work for DPS students and families.