Legislation to Recognize Tribal Court Orders, Improve Public Safety Passes Senate

SB25-009 would affirm tribal sovereignty by ensuring state agencies recognize Tribal arrest warrants, court orders, and civil commitments

DENVER, CO –  Legislation sponsored by Senators Jessie Danielson, D-Wheat Ridge, and Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, to require Colorado state agencies to recognize and enforce Tribal court decisions passed the Senate today.

SB25-009 would ensure that state entities like courts, law enforcement, hospitals, and behavioral health facilities give full faith and credit to an arrest warrant or civil commitment issued by a Tribal court of a federally recognized Tribe. 

“It is important to honor Tribal orders in all Colorado jurisdictions,” said Danielson. “When a Tribal court issues an arrest warrant, that decision should be the law of the land – full stop. The existing gap in enforcement prevents victims, especially in indigenous communities, from accessing justice. This bill authorizes changes to better serve the American Indian community in our state.” 

“Decisions made in Tribal courts should be enforced throughout the state of Colorado,” said Roberts. “This bill is about sovereignty and safety. By ensuring the state recognizes decisions by Tribal courts, we can honor Tribal sovereignty, improve public safety, and ensure consistency and accountability across our justice system.”

Current law does not expressly allow for the state to recognize an arrest warrant or civil commitment from a Tribal court. Civil commitment orders include orders from law enforcement agencies, behavioral health facilities, and health care providers.

SB25-009 is one of three bills advanced by the bipartisan American Indian Affairs Interim Study Committee last year. 

The bill now heads to the House for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.