Committee Unanimously Approves Bill to Support Survivors of Crimes

SB26-095 would update Colorado law to improve transparency, strengthen survivor rights, and bolster trauma-informed procedures in court and law enforcement response

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, to improve access to care for survivors of crime and strengthen trauma-informed justice practices unanimously passed the Senate Judiciary Committee today.

“Under current Colorado law, survivors of crime face significant barriers to care, justice, and information about their proceedings,” Weissman said. “I am proud to sponsor this long-overdue legislation to improve access to care, ensure trauma-informed justice procedures and law enforcement response, and strengthen protections for the rights of survivors in court proceedings.”

SB26-095 would make several updates to Colorado statute, including: 

• Ensuring that victims are informed of how to obtain results and other records related to forensic testing;

• Creating a special motion to dismiss claims arising from protected survivor statements made during investigations or legal proceedings, helping to shield survivors from retaliatory lawsuits;

• Limiting the enforceability of mandatory pre-dispute arbitration and joint-action waivers, thereby strengthening the rights of survivors in sexual misconduct disputes;

• Authorizing remote forensic testimony and allowing certain survivors to voluntarily testify remotely; and

• Expanding training and use of peace officer training funds to include trauma-informed law enforcement response training.

SB26-095 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress here.