Bill > SB271

Here is a summary of the key provisions of this bill in plain language: This bill reclassifies many misdemeanor offenses related to elections, wildlife, public health and safety, and other areas as either petty offenses or civil infractions, with lower penalties. The bill generally reduces the criminal penalties for these offenses, replacing jail time with fines or other non-criminal penalties. The bill also clarifies procedures for adjudicating civil infractions, including allowing appeals to district court and establishing time limits for collaterally attacking convictions. The bill makes several other changes, including: - Reducing the classification of certain vehicular homicide and assault offenses from felonies to lower-level felonies or misdemeanors when the offense is caused by impaired driving. - Reclassifying many low-level theft, criminal mischief, trespass, and fraud offenses from misdemeanors to lower-level offenses. - Reducing the penalties for various regulatory offenses related to businesses, professional licensing, and government operations. - Clarifying procedures related to jail sentence deductions and bond forfeiture. Overall, the bill aims to reduce the use of jail and criminal penalties for lower-level offenses while maintaining accountability through fines, restitution, and other non-criminal consequences.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb21-271