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.
Get this newsletter in your inbox every week:
Legislation of Interest
We’re excited to share a celebratory update on one of our key criminal justice reform policies.
HB 25-1081, Reporting Statistics on Restitution, was passed by the Senate and is on its way to the Governor’s desk! 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.
HB25-1274 Healthy School Meals for All Program, refers two ballot issues to the voters in November to allow the state retain a portion of TABOR refunds and to increase taxes by $95 million annually by increasing state taxable income to support the healthy school meals for all program. It is scheduled to be heard in the House Education Committee on March 6th at 1:30pm.
SB25-047 Enforcement of Federal Immigration Law, aims to reinstate provisions from the repealed SB06-090, enhancing cooperation between local government and federal immigration authorities, bringing back the “show me your papers” policy. This bill was introduced in the Senate State, Veterans, & Military Committee on February 25th and failed to pass.
HB25-1147 Fairness & Transparency in Municipal Court, aligns municipal courts with state legal standards by ensuring sentencing parity, improving access to indigent defense, and enhancing transparency in court proceedings, passed the House Judiciary Committee with a 6-5 vote.
Our Take: HB25-1081 Reporting Statistics on Restitution: On It’s Way To The Governor’s Desk
We are thrilled to announce the passage of House Bill 25-1081, a significant step toward enhancing transparency and accountability in Colorado’s judicial system. This legislation mandates that, beginning with the Judicial Department’s 2026 “SMART Act” hearing, the state court administrator will report detailed statistics on restitution payments received and owed over the previous five fiscal years. This initiative aims to provide a clearer picture of restitution dynamics, revealing who owes restitution, who receives payment, and any potential barriers in the process.
The bill, championed by Representatives Matthew Martinez and Matt Soper, along with Senator Mike Weissman, reflects a bipartisan commitment to justice and transparency. Its successful passage underscores the collaborative efforts of our legislators to address critical issues within our legal framework. We are grateful to the sponsors and supporters of HB25-1081 for their dedication to improving our state’s judicial processes. This law represents a meaningful advancement in our ongoing efforts to uphold justice and support victims’ rights in Colorado.
Take Action: Ensure Financial Success for Colorado Students!
Colorado students deserve the skills to thrive after high school, but many graduate without essential financial literacy to navigate adulthood. House Bill 25-1192 seeks to change that by requiring all students to complete a financial literacy course and submit the FAFSA or CASFA form to access potential financial aid opportunities.
The House Education Committee is considering this bill, and they need to hear from YOU. Urge legislators to support HB25-1192 and help empower our students with the knowledge they need to build a financially secure future.
What We’re Reading
- Chalkbeat, Colorado voters may get another say in funding free school meals for all
- Colorado Sun, Dozens of school leaders urge Colorado House speaker to adopt new funding formula despite error
- Colorado Sun, Rural Colorado schools already hurting for resources could be choked by proposed funding cuts
