BILL SIGNING TOUR - DAY 4

Yesterday I took bold action to improve public safety by signing legislation in Aurora, Montbello, Wheat Ridge, and Standley Lake to propel Colorado forward towards becoming one of the ten safest states in the country. 

I am proud to sign transformative legislation into law to deliver real results in reducing crime and making Colorado communities safer. Every Coloradan has the right to a safe, healthy community, and today, we are one step closer to my goal of making Colorado one of the ten safest states in the country in the next five years.

MAKING COLORADO COMMUNITIES SAFER

PREVENTING CRIME, PROVIDING VICTIM SUPPORT

I visited Aurora at Smoky Hill High School to sign  SB22-001 to ensure the physical environment in communities helps to deter crime with improved lighting, clear pathways, and evidence-based approaches to prevent crime from happening in the first place. While in Aurora, I also signed bipartisan SB22-018. This new law aims to improve accountability and increase court appearance rates, saving public safety officers time and increasing court efficiency. 

Then in Lakewood, I signed bipartisan legislation at the PorchLight Justice Center. SB22-183 ensures victims of crime can access critical resources and support.

PROTECTING OUR COMMUNITIES

Later in the afternoon, I signed new laws to protect communities from targeted crimes based on identity and to support evidence-based early intervention programs that prevent crime from happening in the first place. HB22-1234 supports community-based programs that work to prevent identity-based crimes and strengthen inter-communal connections.

I also signed SB22-196 which supports data-driven early-intervention programs to prevent Coloradans with behavioral health needs from becoming involved with the criminal justice system.

MAKING OUR SCHOOLS SAFER

PROTECTING COLORADO YOUTH

In Highlands ranch I signed HB22-1003 to support youth-oriented early intervention-programs to keep young Coloradans out of the criminal justice system. I also signed HB22-1243 and the bipartisan HB22-1120 to keep Colorado schools safe and prevent incidents of school violence.

WHAT THE COMMUNITY IS SAYING

“With the signing of these bills, Colorado is taking direct action in response to the nationwide increase in crime by investing valuable support in community safety and crime reduction efforts.  These bills recognize that it is not enough to simply react to criminal activity,” said Michael Doughtery, 12th Judicial District Attorney-Boulder. “There must be efforts to reduce the likelihood that criminal activity, particularly violent crimes, will take place.  I strongly support the Legislature and Governor Polis taking these positive steps to help communities throughout Colorado.”

“Senate Bill 22-196 is one of the most impactful of this legislative session. It puts resources into our communities so that people do not need to become involved in systems outside behavioral healthcare to access services,” said Dr. Morgan Medlock, State Behavioral Health Commissioner. “This funding will help set up Colorado to have the strongest crisis system nationwide and to best serve people who are involved with, or at risk of becoming involved in, the criminal justice system.”

FOLLOW ALONG FOR THE BILL SIGNING TOUR!

May 12th began the 30-day clock for all of the bills passed this session to make their way across my desk. I will be traveling to every corner of our state during the bill signing tour to celebrate the incredible work we have done this legislative session.