Senate Approves Bill to Address CBI Backlog

HB25-1275 would clarify standards for identifying and reporting misconduct in crime labs

DENVER, CO – Legislation sponsored by Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, to address the backlog in DNA tests collected by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the aftermath of sexual assaults passed the Senate today. 

"Recent events have demonstrated gaps in our laws when it comes to addressing allegations of investigatory misconduct that call criminal proceedings into question," Weissman said. "Justice is served when the guilty answer for their offenses; the innocent are not punished; and survivors of crimes have confidence that the criminal legal system has gotten to the truth. House Bill 1275 provides greater assurances about all three of these aspects of justice."

HB25-1275, cosponsored by Senator Lisa Frizell, R-Castle Rock, would establish a clear process within CBI and the court system to address intentional and wrongful misconduct by crime lab workers. The bill would require that employees who witness or discover misconduct notify their supervisor or crime lab director within 14 days, and that defendants and victims are notified if there was lab misconduct in their case. 

Earlier this year, a former Colorado Bureau of Investigation forensic scientist was charged with manipulating and mishandling data in the DNA testing process of more than 800 criminal cases dating back as far back as 2014. This has contributed to the 558-day wait to receive results for a sexual assault kit. SB25-304, also sponsored by Weissman, and HB25-1275 are a direct response to CBI crime laboratory misconduct and will help uphold the integrity of Colorado’s forensic system.

HB25-1275 now moves to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Track its progress HERE.