vbustamante, Author at Stand for Children Colorado

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.

Capitol Week In Review: Week 6

Capitol Week in Review | 02/26/2026

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.

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Priority legislative update

In addition to one of our justice reform priority bills moving through the Capitol, we are excited to share that another policy priority was introduced:

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 when the offense occurred before age 18 and sentencing was before age 21. This bill was introduced in the House and is awaiting scheduling in the House Judiciary Committee.

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 on the House Floor next week for second readings.

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 was introduced in the Senate and is awaiting scheduling in the Senate Education Committee.

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 is being heard for second reading in the Senate this week.

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 is awaiting scheduling in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Our Take: Our Capitol Day of Action

Last week, our Capitol Day of Action was a powerful reminder that policy is personal.

Stand families from across Colorado came to the Capitol not just to observe the process — but to actively participate in it. Parents and community members met directly with lawmakers to share their lived experiences and talk about how our priority policies are shaping classrooms and communities across the state. From school funding and ninth grade success to justice reform and student well-being, they made it clear: these issues have real impact on real people.

Throughout the day, participants met directly with lawmakers, received a tour of both the House and Senate chambers, and learned firsthand about the dynamics of how legislation is introduced, debated, amended, and passed. For many, it was their first time inside the Capitol and seeing democracy in action brought a new level of understanding to how decisions get made.

We’re especially grateful to the legislators who took time to meet with us including Assistant Majority Leader Jen Bacon, Assistant Minority Leader Ty Winter, and Representatives Yara Zokaie, and Michael Carter, as well as Senator Mike Weissman & Senate President James Coleman. These conversations were thoughtful and direct

Capitol Day wasn’t just about meetings; it was about building confidence, deepening civic understanding, and ensuring that the families most impacted by policy are at the center of the conversation. When families lead, Colorado moves forward.

Take Action: Close the Loophole. End Juvenile Administrative Fees. Protect Families.

The Colorado Legislature eliminated juvenile administrative fees in 2021, but without clear statutory protections, some families are still receiving charges in court. HB26-1232 closes this loophole, prevents courts from assessing or collecting these costs, and aligns courtroom practice with state policy.

The bill will be heard in the House Judiciary Committee.

Email Committee members today and urge a YES vote to ensure families are fully protected.

What We’re Reading

Colorado Sun, Colorado governor wants to change a local tax benefiting schools to help the state’s budget deficit
Chalkbeat Colorado, Denver school board could consider policy to protect students and staff from immigration enforcement

Capitol Week In Review: Week 5

Capitol Week in Review | 02/26/2026

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

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Priority legislative update

One of our justice reform priority bills continues to move through the Capitol:

Legislation of Interest

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 out of the Senate Judiciary Committee and is awaiting scheduling in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

SB26-036 Prison Population Management Measures, updates Colorado’s response to prison overcrowding by requiring earlier alerts and ongoing reporting when capacity is reached. It also speeds up safe release options, like expedited parole reviews, earned-time credits, and alternatives to incarceration, to reduce the prison population without compromising public safety. This bill was introduced in the Senate and is awaiting scheduling in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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 awaiting scheduling for second reading on the House floor.

Our Take: Colorado Shouldn’t be a corporate debt collector, help us pass HB26-1017

For many people leaving incarceration, the sentence doesn’t actually end when they walk out the door. It follows them, month after month, paycheck after paycheck, through a restitution system that can keep growing even when they do everything right.

Kyle Giddings, Deputy Director of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, described that reality to lawmakers. After taking responsibility for his actions and pleading guilty in 2013, he was ordered to pay restitution, not to a harmed individual, but to an insurance company.

“I accepted that obligation. I started paying.”

He has paid consistently for over a decade. But interest kept accumulating.

“That means my total remaining balance is $88 thousand dollars — more than I originally owed — after more than a decade of making payments.”

Even with a stable job and a $1,100 monthly wage garnishment, the debt keeps growing.

“But it is not easy. And it gets harder every year.”

His experience is not unusual; it is a structural problem. Colorado’s restitution system was designed to repair harm, yet in practice it often operates like a permanent debt collection system where payments can go to corporations instead of victims. That undermines reentry, destabilizes families, and makes public safety worse by keeping people trapped in financial crisis long after accountability has been taken.

HB26-1017 draws a clear line: restitution should prioritize people who were harmed, not corporate reimbursement. As Giddings told legislators, “There is a meaningful difference between compensating a natural person who was harmed and reimbursing a corporation designed to manage risk.” When people can rebuild their lives, secure housing, maintain employment, and support their families, communities are safer. Smart justice means accountability paired with a real path forward.

Take Action

Email your Representative and urge them to vote YES on HB26-1017. Colorado has the opportunity to move from permanent punishment to real restoration, but lawmakers need to hear from you today.

What We’re Reading

Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado bill would make bilingualism endorsement available to high school graduates
Chalkbeat Colorado, Misdemeanor convictions wouldn’t prevent some Colorado teachers from getting hired if new bill passes
Chalkbeat Colorado, Denver school board could consider policy to protect students and staff from immigration enforcement

Capitol Week In Review: Week 4

Capitol Week in Review | 02/14/2026

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

Priority legislative update

One of our justice reform priority bills is gaining momentum at 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 passed the House Judiciary Committee on February 3rd, 7-4, and will likely be heard on second reading on the House floor next week.

Legislation of Interest

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 out of the Senate Judiciary Committee with a vote of 5-2.

HB26-1028 Second Language Educational Program for High School Students, creates a diploma endorsement for bilingualism for graduating high school students. This bill was heard in the House Education Committee on Thursday, February 5th and passed with a vote of 8-5.

SB26-036 Prison Population Management Measures, updates Colorado’s response to prison overcrowding by requiring earlier alerts and ongoing reporting when capacity gets is being reached. It also speeds up safe release options, like expedited parole reviews, earned-time credits, and alternatives to incarceration, to reduce the prison population without compromising public safety. This bill was introduced in the Senate.

Our Take: HB26-1017 Puts Accountability Where It Belongs

Colorado’s restitution system was created to help victims recover, not to trap families in cycles of poverty after someone has already served their sentence. Yet today, large portions of restitution payments can go to insurance companies instead of directly to victims, turning a tool for healing into long-term financial punishment that follows people long after incarceration. HB26-1017 takes a common-sense step by prioritizing real victims over corporate reimbursement, so restitution works the way it was intended.

Research and reporting have shown that restitution debt is one of the biggest barriers to successful reentry. People leaving incarceration already face steep odds, including housing barriers, limited employment opportunities, supervision fees, and the cost of rebuilding their lives. When restitution functions like lifelong debt collection rather than repair, it delays stability and increases the likelihood that someone falls back into the system. Public safety improves when people can work, support their families, and reintegrate, not when they are buried in unpayable debt.

Kyle Giddings, Deputy Director of the Colorado Criminal Justice Reform Coalition, shared his story on what this looks like in real life. After taking responsibility for what he did in 2013, he was ordered to pay $78,000 in restitution to an insurance company. After more than a decade of consistent payments, he has paid $54,000. Yet due to years of high interest, he now owes more than he initially did with a remaining balance of about $88,000. Despite a stable job and monthly wage garnishment, the debt continues to grow, demonstrating how restitution can become harmful and permanent punishment rather than accountability.

HB26 1017 is about balance. It maintains accountability while making sure restitution actually supports recovery and stability instead of corporate repayment. For us, this is what smart justice looks like: policies that recognize harm, support victims, and give families a real chance to move forward. Colorado can choose a system focused on restoration instead of permanent punishment.

Take Action

Get Involved!

At Stand Colorado, we deeply believe that policymaking is most effective when the voices of those impacted are at the center of decision-making. Want more regular updates about key bills and opportunities to engage? Follow us on social media to stay informed about ways to advocate for what matters to you!

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What We’re Reading

Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado school finance officers worry the state will once again cut education
Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado ballot measure would use Pinnacol Assurance proceeds for workforce training

Capitol Week In Review: Week 3

Capitol Week in Review | 02/7/2026

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

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Priority legislative update

One of our justice reform priority bills is officially scheduled for a hearing. Here’s what’s next.

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 on February 3rd in the House Judiciary Committee, upon adjournment.

Legislation of Interest

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 is scheduled to be heard on February 2nd in the Senate Judiciary Committee at 1:30pm.

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 aimed at better supporting juveniles and young adults in the system. This bill was introduced in the House and is scheduled to be heard February 10th at 1:30 pm in the House Health & Human Services Committee.

SB26-036 Prison Population Management Measures focuses on improving how the state manages prison populations when facilities become overcrowded. It requires the Department of Corrections to regularly report on compliance with prison population management mandates and expands the notification process and responsive measures when bed vacancy rates fall below 3% for an extended period, including steps to transition certain inmates, expedite parole reviews, and encourage alternatives to incarceration where appropriate. This bill was introduced in the Senate and is awaiting hearing scheduling in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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 was heard on January 29th in the House Education Committee and was referred back to the House.

Our Take: Our Communities Are Not a Battlefield

Colorado’s communities should be places of safety, dignity, and belonging. Yet we are collectively witnessing as across the nation, our state, families experience unlawful home entries, racial profiling, wrongful detention including of U.S. citizens, and excessive force during civil immigration enforcement actions. These harms do not exist in isolation. They ripple through neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces, creating fear and instability that undermines community trust. What makes this reality even more troubling is that under current law, people harmed during civil immigration enforcement often have no meaningful way to seek accountability, even when their constitutional rights are violated. When constitutional protections cannot be enforced, they fail the very people they are meant to protect.

This week at the Capitol, lawmakers are considering SB26-005, legislation that draws a clear line around accountability. The bill creates a state level legal pathway for individuals whose constitutional rights are violated during civil immigration enforcement to seek relief and justice. At its core, SB26-005 affirms a fundamental principle that constitutional rights apply to everyone, regardless of immigration status.

During these unpresented times we are living through, Colorado must continue to move toward policies that protect families, uphold constitutional rights, and ensure our communities remain places of safety, dignity, and opportunity for all.

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What We’re Reading

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2/3 CDAC Update: How Denver Is Shaping Its Cell Phone Policy

Phone Free Schools | 02/5/2026

Vallerie Bustamante Digital Organizing Manager

This week, the Denver Public Schools Communication Devices Advisory Committee (CDAC) held its second meeting, continuing the district’s discussion on student communication device policies, including bell-to-bell phone-free approaches, and how those policies intersect with accessibility, equity, and student safety.

Below is a summary of key updates, testimony, and themes from the meeting:

Public Comment Highlights

Public commenters expressed strong support for bell-to-bell phone-free policies, citing research and lived experience that link unrestricted technology use to increased anxiety, reduced focus, poor sleep, and challenges to student well-being. Speakers emphasized that partial or instructional-time-only policies place an unfair enforcement burden on teachers and create inconsistencies across classrooms. Parents highlighted the opportunity for DPS to lead with an equitable, student-centered approach that supports learning, mental health, and school culture.

Multilingual Learners (MLLs) and Linguistic Access

The committee reviewed legal requirements and best practices for ensuring linguistic access for MLL students under ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act), state ELPA (English Language Proficiency Act) requirements, and the DPS Consent Decree.

Key Takeaways:

Linguistic access goes beyond English translation and includes allowing students to use their native language to understand complex ideas, demonstrate knowledge, and fully participate in learning.
Examples of approved linguistic tools include pocket translators, handheld scanners, camera-based translation tools, speech-to-speech translation, and district-approved software such as Google Translate and Google Read&Write on district-issued devices.
DPS policy language should clearly state that technology restrictions, including cell phone policies, must not prevent access to necessary linguistic tools.

Students with IEPs and Section 504 Plans

The committee discussed the role of assistive technology under IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and the importance of explicitly protecting communication devices used by students with disabilities.

Key points included:

Assistive technology is essential, not optional, and includes any equipment or system that increases, maintains, or improves a student’s functional capabilities.
Communication tools such as tablets with communication apps, speech-generating devices, and symbol-based systems must be allowed and protected throughout the school day.
Policy language must clearly state that device restrictions cannot limit communication or access to instruction for students with disabilities.

There is also an opportunity for public comment at upcoming meetings, with time set aside at the beginning for community voices.

Nursing Services and Medical Needs

Members emphasized the need for policies to protect access to medically necessary devices.

Examples discussed:

Cell phones or devices linked to continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), insulin pumps, cardiac or neurological monitoring systems.
Apps such as Dexcom Follow and Dexcom Sugarmate often require a personal smartphone to be within 20 feet of the student, creating challenges under a bell-to-bell phone-free policy.
For students with IEPs or 504 plans, these tools are medical supports critical to student health and safety.

Policy Questions and Tensions Raised

Do students access these tools through DPS-issued equipment or personal devices?
How will accessibility be ensured when DPS-issued devices are damaged or delayed in replacement?
Are cell phones the only viable option for some medical monitoring needs, or could iPads be used (and at what fiscal cost)?
How will staff — including substitute teachers — be informed about student exemptions?
With over 30,000 MLL students, 14,000 students with IEPs, and 195 languages spoken in DPS homes, how can policy language be inclusive, practical, and enforceable?

Some questions, including how many students currently rely on DPS-issued equipment, were tabled for future discussion.

Small Group Work (Gallery Walk)

Committee members broke into groups to discuss:

Intended benefits of communication device use for specific student populations
Potential unintended consequences of restrictive policies
Intersections between access tools and communication devices
Policy language that could address these challenges

Closing and Next Steps

A survey will be released next week to gather broader feedback.
Members noted growing agreement around bell-to-bell phone-free approaches, including examples from KCAA where students showed improved attention and engagement.
A recurring theme was the need for transparent, inclusive policy language and strong cross-department coordination to ensure policies are realistic and workable in schools.

Upcoming CDAC Meeting & Public Comment Opportunity

The next CDAC meeting will take place on February 10.
Community members will have an opportunity to provide public comment.
Sign up for public comment can be submitted in advance using this form.

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.

Capitol Week In Review: Week 2

Capitol Week in Review | 01/31/2026

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:

Priority legislative update

Momentum is building on one of our justice reform priority policies. Read on to see where it’s headed.

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 tentatively scheduled to be heard on February 3rd in the House Judiciary Committee, upon adjournment.

Legislation of Interest

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 was introduced in the Senate and is awaiting scheduling of a hearing in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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 aimed at better supporting juveniles and young adults in the system. This bill was introduced in the House and is awaiting hearing scheduling in the House Health & Human Services Committee.

Our Take & take action

HB25-1135, legislation we advocated for last year, requires school districts develop a policy for cell phones in schools by July 2026. School boards are having conversations now, and have an opportunity to impact the daily experience of every student in Colorado.

The evidence is clear: bell-to-bell phone-free policies, where phones are put away for the entire school day, are the most effective and equitable approach. These policies reduce distractions, strengthen school culture, support student mental health, and give teachers the space to teach and students the space to learn.

This isn’t about punishment—it’s about creating learning environments where young people can focus, build real relationships, and develop the skills they need for life beyond the classroom.

Take Action: be apart of the phone free schools conversation

Want to learn more or be part of the conversation? We invite parents, educators, and community members to join our Phone-Free Schools Community Information Session to hear what we’re learning, ask questions, and explore what this could look like in districts across Colorado.

Creating phone-free schools will take collaboration—and we’re excited to keep building this movement together.

If you have time, take a look at our video on Phone Free Schools:

What We’re Reading

Chalkbeat Colorado, Colorado Democrats plan ballot measure to raise money for schools
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1/27 CDAC Update: How Denver Is Shaping Its Cell Phone Policy

Phone Free Schools | 01/28/2026

Vallerie Bustamante Digital Organizing Manager

Denver Public Schools’ Communication Devices Advisory Committee (CDAC) met for the first time on Tuesday January 27, to continue shaping recommendations for a districtwide cell phone policy. We wanted to share a quick update on what happened, what we’re hearing, and how it connects directly to our work on phone-free schools.

As shown below, CDAC will meet twice a month through April, and we will be present to keep the community informed on their progress:

January 27, 2026
February 3, 2026
February 10, 2026
February 24, 2026
March 10, 2026
March 24, 2026
April 7, 2026

Who was at the table
The committee brings together a broad range of voices: parents, educators, principals, mental health professionals, community advocates, and students. All are grappling with the same core question: How do we create school environments where students can learn, connect, and thrive without constant digital distraction?

What the conversation focused on
Committee members reviewed examples from other Colorado districts that have already implemented administrative cell phone policies, including BVSD, Adams 12, Colorado Springs, D11, and Mesa. A few key themes came up repeatedly:

Clarity matters. Policies need simple, student-friendly language that clearly names which devices are covered and when they’re restricted.
Bell-to-bell consistency. Many members emphasized that “all or nothing” approaches are easier to understand and enforce, especially when phones are kept away for the full school day.
The “why” is essential. Framing phone-free policies as a way to protect student mental health, learning time, and social connection — not as punishment — resonated strongly.
Age-appropriate supports. There was recognition that older students may need additional support, communication, and buy-in.
Emergency access. Families’ concerns about emergencies were discussed, with an emphasis on clear, reliable school-based communication systems.
Evidence-based policy. Committee members lifted up research showing improved focus, stronger social skills, and even higher student happiness and academic outcomes when phones are limited during the school day.

What’s next

April 7: CDAC finalizes its recommendations
April 15: Recommendations are presented to the DPS Board of Education
April–June: Policy drafting and refinement

There is also an opportunity for public comment at upcoming meetings, with time set aside at the beginning for community voices.

Why this matters for our work

Everything discussed reinforces what we’ve been saying all along: bell-to-bell phone-free policies are an equity-centered, evidence-based investment in students. When phones are away all day, students get more learning time, stronger relationships, and healthier school cultures, and educators can focus on teaching instead of policing screens.

We’ll continue showing up, sharing research, and lifting up parent and educator voices to ensure DPS prioritizes students with the strongest policy.

Thank you for staying engaged and standing with us as we advocate for school environments where students can truly be present.

More information and resources to learn more:

Capitol Week In Review: Week 1

Capitol Week in Review | 01/22/2026

Bri Buentello Government Affairs Director

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Legislation Update

With the ceremonial dust settling, the Second Session of the 75th General Assembly is now underway. Lawmakers were sworn in, committees took shape, and early legislation began surfacing; setting the stage for the real work ahead.

Priority Legislation Update: We’re excited to share that one of our priority justice reform policies was introduced this week:

Other Related Legislative Updates:

Education Smart ACT hearings were this week, which covered a broad range of topics, mostly centering on school funding and reports from the Department of Education and Early Childhood, focusing on agency goals and performance metrics. Also notable was a deep-dive panel discussion on school finance, featuring representatives from various school districts to address the current challenges and future needs of school funding and the implementation of HB24-1448. You can listen to the recording here.

State of the State Address

Governor Polis used his final State of the State to emphasize a “Colorado for All” agenda focused on affordability, opportunity, and safety, highlighting major investments that directly support families. He pointed to expanded access to free preschool and free full day kindergarten, efforts to fully fund schools including eliminating the Budget Stabilization Factor, and steps to raise educator pay and strengthen early learning as foundational to long term student success.

For families’ economic stability, Polis underscored tax relief and affordability measures, including the Family Affordability Tax Credit, expansions to the earned income and child tax credits, and efforts to cut housing costs, framing these as strategies that help families stay rooted and thrive. On justice and public safety, he highlighted data showing declines in violent and property crime and emphasized prevention focused approaches, while also naming the importance of keeping communities safe and supporting systems that reduce harm.

Across the address, Polis repeatedly framed policy decisions through the lens of protecting everyday Coloradans, especially in the face of federal uncertainty, calling for a session grounded in practical solutions that strengthen schools, stabilize family finances, and advance a safer, fairer Colorado.

You can watch the recording here.

Key Legislative Committee Assignments

Our Take: our policy priorities

From school funding to youth justice, this session presents critical moments to protect progress and push for change. Lawmakers are grappling (again) with funding challenges, so that will be framing policy conversations throughout the legislative session. Below are the policy priorities guiding our advocacy this year—and how they connect to the real experiences of students, families, and communities across the state.

School Funding: Implement Year Two of the New Formula

After more than 30 years without an update, two years ago Colorado adopted a new school funding formula to better reflect student needs and the real cost of education. The formula was designed to be phased in over multiple years. Fully implementing Year two with additional funding will help protect our schools from ongoing challenges and support our students needs.

Criminal Justice: Restitution for People, Not Insurers

Criminal restitution is intended to repair harm to people, yet current Colorado law allows insurance companies to collect restitution through criminal court. This diverts payments away from natural persons and turns sentencing into a mechanism for private debt collection. Excluding insurers from criminal restitution—while preserving their ability to recover losses through civil court—restores restitution to its original purpose of accountability, rehabilitation, and fairness.

Keeping Families Connected: Free Prison Phone Calls

Regular communication between incarcerated people and their families improves rehabilitation, reentry outcomes, and safety inside facilities. Stand Colorado has been working to provide free-phone calls for families and incarcerated individuals since 2023. Colorado took a major step forward by passing HB23-1133 to make prison phone calls free, but full implementation depends on sustained funding and prioritized implementation by the Department. , While recognizing the financial realities of the state budget, this investments supports family connection and benefits public safety and taxpayers alike – it’s important that we continue funding to keep families connected.

Take Action: Get Involved

Get Involved!

What We’re Reading

Chalkbeat Colorado, 2026 Colorado General Assembly: The people’s guide to following education issues
Colorado Sun, Colorado lawmakers return to Capitol facing $850 million mountain of tough budget decisions
Colorado Sun, Legislature mulls ballot measure that would ask voters to raise TABOR cap by billions primarily to fund Colorado’s schools