HB 17-1326

HB 17-1326, also known as the Justice Reinvestment Crime Prevention Initiative, changes how long parolees can be kept on revocation for different types of violations. It also requires a thorough investigation before releasing inmates on parole and allows certain low-risk cases to skip in-person hearings. Additionally, it sets up programs in Aurora and Colorado Springs to lend money to small businesses and fund community projects aimed at reducing crime. The bill has been signed into law, meaning these changes are now official and being implemented.

Official Summary

The bill changes the length of time that a parolee may serve for a technical parole violation. If the parolee is on parole for a class 2 felony; level 1 drug felony; a crime of violence, stalking, menacing, or unlawful sexual behavior; or a crime against an at-risk adult or is a sexually violent predator, the length of revocation is up to the remainder of the parolee's parole period. If the parolee is on parole for a level 2 drug felony or a class 3 nonviolent felony, the length of revocation is up to 90 days. If the parolee is on parole for a level 3 or level 4 drug felony or a class 4, class 5, or class 6 nonviolent felony, the length of revocation is up to 30 days. The bill requires the division of adult parole to conduct a parole plan investigation prior to the parole release hearing and to inform the parole board (board) of the results of the investigation. If the board finds an inmate's parole plan inadequate, the board can table the release decision and order the department to submit a revised parole plan developed in conjunction with the inmate within 30 days of the board's order. The bill allows the board to conduct a parole release review instead of a hearing without the presence of the inmate if the inmate is assessed 'low' or 'very low' on the risk assessment instrument and victim notification is not required. The bill creates the justice reinvestment crime prevention initiative in the division of local government in the department of local affairs (division). The division shall develop the initiative to expand small business lending in the target communities of Aurora and Colorado Springs. The division will issue a request for participation from one or more nondepository community development financial institution loan funds to participate in the small business lending program. The division shall enter into a contract with the selected funds to define the operating terms of the loan program. The loans are limited to 5 years and $50,000. The division shall also develop the initiative to implement a grant program for programs, projects, or direct services aimed at reducing crime in the target communities. The division shall issue a request for participation to select a community foundation or foundations to manage the grant program. The division shall sign an agreement with the selected foundation or foundations that defines the role and responsibility of the foundation in managing the grant program. The grant program may fund: Academic improvement programs; Community-based services; Community engagement programs; Increasing safety and usability of common outdoor-spaces programs; Technical assistance related to data collection, data analysis, and evaluation; and Administrative costs of the foundation. Only a nonprofit organization in good standing and registered with the internal revenue service and the Colorado secretary of state, a school, a unit of local government, or a private contractor hired to provide technical assistance are eligible to receive grants. The bill requires the division to present a status report to the joint judiciary committee regarding the initiative. The bill reduces the appropriation to the department of corrections by $6,628,401 as a result of the changes to the parole statutes. The bill appropriates that $6,628,401to the department of local affairs to fund the lending program and the grant program. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)

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