summary
Introduced
02/11/2025
02/11/2025
In Committee
04/17/2025
04/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
05/07/2025
05/07/2025
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Before an individual is sentenced to the department of corrections (department) for a class 5 or 6 felony, the bill requires the court to review certain available information and to make additional findings. The bill directs the executive director of the department (executive director) to notify the sentencing court that a person sentenced to prison for certain lower-class felonies is either past or within 90 days or less of the person's parole eligibility date. The bill adds certified recovery residences to the lists of possible treatment or recovery options for a parolee. The bill eliminates the requirement that a parolee who tests positive for drugs or alcohol must pay for any treatment program ordered as a new condition of parole. The bill repeals provisions that require approval by a majority of the members of the state board of parole (state board) for a denial of parole to certain low- or very low-risk inmates. The bill replaces these provisions by creating a presumption that certain low- or very low-risk inmates who have reached their parole eligibility dates will be granted parole. The bill also requires the state board to provide a monthly report to the department on the status of hearings for these low- and very low-risk inmates. If an offender is otherwise eligible for parole or placement in a community corrections program but has an outstanding warrant or detainer, the parole board or the executive director shall notify the public defender liaison, who shall determine if the warrant or detainer may be resolved and notify the executive director of the outcome.
AI Summary
This bill addresses several key aspects of sentencing, parole, and prison management in Colorado, aimed at more appropriate and efficient use of prison resources. For class 5 and 6 felonies, courts must now carefully review available information and make specific findings before sentencing an offender to prison, ensuring that incarceration is the most suitable option and other alternatives have been exhausted. The bill requires the Department of Corrections to notify sentencing courts when an offender is close to their parole eligibility date, allowing potential sentence reconsideration. It creates a presumption in favor of granting parole for low- and very low-risk inmates who have reached their parole eligibility date and meet specific criteria, such as having no recent serious disciplinary violations and not declining recommended program participation. The bill adds certified recovery residences as a treatment option for parolees, eliminates the requirement for parolees to pay for court-ordered treatment programs, and allows the public defender liaison to help resolve warrants or detainers that might prevent community corrections placement or parole. Additionally, the bill requires the parole board to provide monthly reports on parole hearings and decisions for these low-risk inmates, with the goal of reducing prison population growth and promoting rehabilitation.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
House Second Reading Calendar (09:00:00 5/7/2025 House Floor) (on 05/07/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
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