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
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
