Legislation to Protect Access to Visitation, Family Connection Passes Committee

HB25-1013 would protect visitation rights for incarcerated Coloradans

DENVER, CO – The Senate State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee today passed legislation sponsored by Senate President James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senator Tony Exum, D-Colorado Springs, to ensure that Coloradans who are incarcerated have visitation rights with their family and loved ones.

“Families are where we find strength, healing, and support,” said Coleman. “But for too many families, the criminal justice system creates barriers that fracture these bonds. Regular visits, phone calls, and moments of connection empower families to support their loved ones’ journey toward rehabilitation. This bill helps to make our justice system a tool for repair and recovery, not a weapon of division.” 

“Ensuring that people who are incarcerated have the right to connect with their loved ones makes all Coloradans safer,” said Exum. “It reduces recidivism, supports rehabilitation, and eases the transition back into our communities after incarceration. Currently, people can lose family visitation rights – including contact with their children – as a form of punishment. Protecting the right to family connection leads to better outcomes for individuals, families, and communities across Colorado.”

HB25-1013 would protect visitation rights for incarcerated Coloradans to ensure they can stay connected with their family, friends, and loved ones and be set up for success after they serve time and re-enter the community. Visitation includes in-person visits, family time visits, phone calls, and video calls. 

A study found that visitation in prison results in a 26 percent decrease in post-release criminal activity as well as a 28 percent reduction in new convictions overall.

HB25-1013 now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.