Senate Passes Bill to Eliminate Court Fees for Youth, Reduce Recidivism

HB25-1294 would eliminate administrative court fees for justice-involved youth

DENVER, CO – The Senate today passed legislation that would eliminate administrative court fees for justice-involved youth and their families.

HB25-1294, sponsored by Senators Tony Exum, Sr., D-Colorado Springs, and Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, would extend a 2021 law that banned certain court fees and fines for youth who are in the juvenile justice system and their families, which is set to expire on June 30, 2025. This bill would make this law permanent to save Colorado youth and their families money on court fees.

“Court fees further punish Colorado youth and their families, many of whom are already struggling to get by,” said Exum. “This bill simply extends an existing bipartisan law to continue eliminating court fees for justice-involved youth. This policy supports Colorado families and keeps all of us safer by reducing financial strain and recidivism for these youth.” 

“This bill is one small step that we can take to reduce the financial burden on justice-involved youth and their families,” said Gonzales. “These families deserve the opportunity to support their loved one, walk with them through a path of accountability and rehabilitation, and move on with their lives without the unnecessary financial burden caused by the accumulation of fees.”

The 2021 law also removed outstanding juvenile fee debt. This bill would continue to eliminate fees, surcharges, and costs such as late penalty fees, prosecution costs and fees related to community service for justice-involved youth. 

HB25-1294 now heads to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Track its progress HERE.