Legislation to Protect Children Online, Improve Public Safety Passes Committee Unanimously

SB26-011 would ensure timely, reliable compliance with search warrants

DENVER, CO – Bipartisan legislation to protect children online and improve public safety passed the Senate Judiciary Committee unanimously today.

SB26-011, sponsored by Senator Dylan Roberts, D-Frisco, would establish precise requirements for how large online social media platforms must receive, acknowledge, and respond to search warrants issued by Colorado courts.

“As a former Deputy District Attorney, I saw firsthand how critical digital evidence can be in serious criminal investigations,” said Roberts. “Increasingly, warrants are being disregarded or not treated with the seriousness they deserve by social media platforms, and delays in accessing evidence can have real consequences. SB26-011 helps ensure that court-approved warrants are respected so investigators can move quickly and responsibly.”

Also sponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, the bill would cover social media websites, online services, or mobile applications that have at least one million monthly users, allow users to create profiles, and allow users to create or share content. 

Under the bill, covered platforms must have a clear process for communication with law enforcement, provide a staffed hotline available to law enforcement 24/7, acknowledge receipt of a search warrant within eight hours and comply within 72 hours in most cases, provide status updates on warrant compliance, and prominently post contact information for search warrant compliance on their homepage. The bill would be enforced by the Attorney General or local district attorneys.

SB26-011 now moves to the Senate floor for further consideration. Track its progress HERE.