Senate Committee Approves Bill to Implement Statewide Jail Standards

Legislation would require jails to follow standards adopted by the Legislative Oversight Committee for Colorado Jail Standards

DENVER, CO – Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bill that would help improve the health and safety of individuals housed in jails across the state and those employed in jails, and to ensure that persons experiencing incarceration have a basic set of rights.

HB24-1054, sponsored by Senate President Pro Tem James Coleman, D-Denver, and Senator Rhonda Fields, D-Aurora, extends the duties of the Legislative Oversight Committee for Colorado Jail Standards that address and improve the rights of people incarcerated in jails, including access to health care, visitation, housing and more. Jails must comply with these standards by July 1, 2026.

“Too often differences in Colorado jail standards result in a lack of appropriate care,” said Coleman. “By requiring jails to comply with statewide standards established by the Legislative Oversight Committee, we can better ensure that individuals' needs are being met and we can improve outcomes for those incarcerated in Colorado jails. I look forward to the work ahead to implement statewide standards and build on our progress of creating a more just criminal justice system.”

“In order to reduce recidivism and improve safety in our communities, certain quality standards must be met in Colorado’s jails,” said Fields. “With this bill, we are taking the first step towards implementing statewide jail standards and bolstering access to services that can better outcomes for incarcerated individuals. By involving a broad coalition on the Jail Standards Advisory Committee, we will develop a rounded approach to the continued improvement of incarcerated Coloradans’ rights.”

The bill would also create a Jail Standards Advisory Committee composed of sheriffs, county commissioners, the state public defender, a health professional, and an advocate from a statewide organization. The Advisory Committee would be charged with conducting jail assessments, establishing standards and procedures, and submitting an annual report and recommendations to the Legislative Oversight Committee.

The Attorney General’s office could conduct investigations regarding potential violations of the standards. Under the bill, the Division of Criminal Justice in the Department of Public Safety would be required to create a list of funding assistance and resources for jails to offset the costs of complying with the new standards.

The bill now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Follow its progress HERE.