Gonzales’ Bill to Reduce Nonviolent Sentences, Encourage Incarcerated Coloradans to Pursue College Credits Passes Senate

HB23-1037 allows nonviolent inmates to have time deducted from their sentence for receiving higher education

DENVER, CO – Senator Julie Gonzales’, D-Denver, bill to encourage individuals incarcerated for nonviolent felonies to pursue higher education to earn time off their sentence passed the Senate today.

HB23-1037 would allow incarcerated individuals sentenced for a nonviolent felony offense to reduce their sentence by completing an accredited degree or other credential awarded by an accredited higher education institution while incarcerated in the Department of Corrections. Specifically, inmates could receive one year of earned time for a bachelor's or associate's degree, 6 months for an earned credential or certificate of 30 credit hours worth, 18 months of earned time for a master’s degree, and two years for a doctoral degree.

“Too often, formerly incarcerated individuals rejoin the workforce with limited education on top of already being at a significant disadvantage relative to their peers due to their criminal history," said Gonzales. “This bill will help reduce recidivism rates and better prepare Coloradans to find good-paying careers once they’ve left prison. I am happy to see this life-changing bill earn bipartisan support and I look forward to getting it signed into law.” 

While 48 percent of Americans have a postsecondary education, less than 13 percent of inmates have attained the same level of education. Increasing incarcerated individuals’ access to postsecondary education has been shown to decrease recidivism rates. The bill also requires funds saved by reduced sentences to be reallocated toward enhancing educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals. 

HB23-1037 will now head back to the House for concurrence of amendments. You can follow the bill’s progress HERE.