Bill > HB1049

This bill enhances communication rights for individuals who are arrested, imprisoned, or in custody by establishing clearer definitions and expanding access to legal representation. The bill defines an "authorized representative" as a professional employed by or working with an attorney who can help consult with clients, and a "place of confinement" as a jail or correctional facility holding individuals for more than 24 hours. It strengthens existing laws by explicitly guaranteeing arrested persons the right to communicate with an attorney and family members through reasonable telephone calls or other communication methods, and mandates that these communications be permitted at the earliest possible time after arrival at a confinement facility. The bill also requires that peace officers and facility staff provide attorneys or their authorized representatives the ability to communicate with confined persons through various electronic methods, including telephone calls and interactive audiovisual conferencing, with the communication being private, unrecorded, and at no cost to the confined person or attorney. Additionally, the bill ensures that when a person is about to be moved out of state, they are entitled to a reasonable delay to obtain counsel and protect their personal liberty. These provisions aim to protect the legal rights of individuals in custody and facilitate their access to legal representation.

Budget and Finance, Justice

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1049