As we enter August, we are excited to share initiatives that enhance public safety across our state. From implementing key legislation to protect our communities to providing vital resources for emergency preparedness, this newsletter will offer a comprehensive overview of our efforts this past session to ensure the safety and well-being of all Coloradans. Stay tuned for more important updates and highlights throughout Public Safety Month!

HB24-1013

Victim Programs in New Twenty-Third Judicial District

Signed into Law

Representative Armagost

SB24-194

Special District Emergency Services Funding

Signed into Law

Representative Lynch

HB24-1225

First Degree Murder Bail & Jury Selection Statute

Signed into Law

Representative Catlin

HB24-1275

Sunset Continue Underfunded Courthouse Commission

Signed into Law

Representative Pugliese

HB24-1055

Child Passenger Safety and Education

Signed into Law

Representative Catlin

SB24-221

Funding for Rural Health Care

Signed into Law

Representative Frizell

HB24-1072

Protection of Victims of Sexual Offenses

Signed into Law

Representative Armagost

HB24-1074

Aggravated Cruelty to Law Enforcement Animals

Signed into Law

Representative Soper

HB24-1135

Offenses Related to Operating a Vehicle

Signed into Law

Representative Soper

HB24-1345

Sunset Human Trafficking Council

Signed into Law

Representative Winter

SB24-035

Strengthening Enforcement of Human Trafficking

Signed into Law

Representative Pugliese

HB24-1122

Protection Orders for Victims of Crimes

Signed into Law

Good Bills Taking Effect This Month

HB24-1340

Incentives for Post-Secondary Education

HB24-1266

Local Government Utility Relocation in Right-of-Way

HB24-1139

Death Benefit for State Employee Surviving Spouse

Bad Bills Taking Effect This Month

SB24-066

Firearms Merchant Category Code

HB24-1372

Regulating Law Enforcement Use of Prone Restraint

HB24-1103

Prohibiting Term ‘Excited Delirium’

Ways We Fought for Public Safety

Representative Bradley's budget amendment showcased her commitment to student safety in Colorado. She proposed a $2 million amendment to the $40 billion state budget for school safety, offering schools flexibility in its use. Despite progressive left members' misinterpretation and subsequent rejection of the amendment, the Senate managed to secure $200,000 for school safety.

Representative Lynch passed HB24-1225 enhancing public safety by revoking bail for individuals charged with first-degree murder when the proof is evident or the presumption is great. Crucially, the bill's implementation depends on a state constitutional amendment concerning bail exceptions, to be decided in the 2024 general election. By passing this bill, Colorado reaffirms its commitment to valuing life and ensuring justice for heinous crimes

Opinion: Free-market success vs. bureaucratic overreach

Reps. Anthony Hartsook and Lisa Frizell highlight the clash between free-market principles and bureaucratic overreach in Colorado's policymaking. They commend House Bill 24-1156 and Senate Bill 24-231 for promoting a collaborative, free-market approach that supports small businesses and modernizes regulations without stifling innovation. In contrast, they criticize House Bill 24-1373 for its excessive bureaucratic interference, which threatened economic stability and disregarded industry consensus. The piece underscores the broader debate on whether Colorado should favor collaborative, market-driven policies or restrictive, top-down regulation.