Welcome to Capitol Week In Review, our newsletter keeping you informed about policy concerning educational equity and criminal justice reform. You will also hear from us about opportunities to engage in advocacy on topics important to you.
Legislation of Interest
As we continue on to the second month of this year’s session, here are a few updates on some of our criminal justice reform policy priorities!
HB 25-1081, Reporting Statistics on Restitution, passed out of the House on a vote of 44-20-1 As you may recall, this bill requires enhanced data collection on restitution demographics, prioritizing transparency and accountability. It seeks to address systemic inequities by revealing who owes restitution, who receives payment, and any potential barriers in the process. It is now headed to the Senate.
HB 25-1116, DOC Search Court Records Before Offender Release, which would ensure the Department of Corrections regularly checks for outstanding warrants on inmates and notifies them, courts, and public defenders. It encourages timely resolution, including virtual court appearances, to prevent legal issues from delaying reentry, and is scheduled to be heard in the House Judiciary Committee on February 11 at 1:30pm.
HB25-1135, Communication Devices in Schools, requires all public and charter schools in Colorado to establish policies on student use of communication devices during school hours by July 1, 2026. These policies must specify any restrictions and exceptions for device use throughout the school day. The bill was introduced in the House and is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee on February 13.
HB25-1153, Statewide Government Language Access Assessment, requires a statewide language access assessment across Colorado’s principal departments to evaluate and improve services for non-English speakers. The assessment will review language access needs, existing resources, and expenditures. A final report with recommendations is due by December 31, 2026. It is scheduled to be heard in the State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Committee on February 10.
HB25-1049, Communications Rights for Persons in Custody, ensures individuals in custody can make and receive private, unrecorded legal telephone calls at no cost or use private, unrecorded audiovisual conferencing. Under current law, individuals in custody have the right to consult with an attorney. It passed the House Judiciary Committee unanimously.
Our Take: Advocates Join Stand’s Capitol Day of Action
This week, passionate advocates from across Colorado gathered at the Capitol to engage directly with legislators on critical policies affecting our communities. Their focus? Ensuring equitable school funding, advancing criminal justice reform, and improving high school graduation rates. It was also an opportunity to learn and experience first-hand the legislative process!
The day began with opening statements from Senator Nick Hinrichsen and Representative Yara Zokaie. Following their remarks, our executive director, Krista, welcomed attendees, setting the stage for a day of meaningful discussions and advocacy with legislators like Representative Matthew Martinez, Representative Jen Bacon, Senator James Coleman, Representative Michael Carter and Representative Anthony Hartsook.
Take Action
You can still advocate alongside the parents, educators and community leaders who joined us on our Capitol Day of Action using our Virtual Capitol Day of Action Center. We invite you to click through our different policy priorities and the ways you can act now!
Ask lawmakers to ensure more schools can implement the proven ninth grade on-track approach through the Ninth Grade Success Grant.
Ask lawmakers to fund the implementation of our new school finance formula.
Email the Joint Budget Committee to keep families connected by fully funding free prison phone calls. Email the House Appropriations Committee to eliminate unnecessary medical fees for incarcerated individuals.
Your voice matters, and your advocacy makes a difference. Take action today and help build a brighter future for Colorado students, families, and communities!
What We’re Reading
- CPR News, State Education Commissioner speaks on federal changes, chronic absenteeism and more
- Colorado Sun, New funding formula that promises $500M for Colorado schools hits another legislative roadblock
- Chalkbeat Colorado, ‘Angry and not afraid’: Denver students walk out to protest Trump policies on same day as ICE raids
- Chalkbeat Colorado, Some Head Start programs still can’t access federal funds a week after Trump freeze memo rescinded
- Colorado Sun, Colorado students are performing better in reading and math than kids in other states
