SB 18-166

Senate Bill 18-166, which has been signed into law, establishes a committee during Colorado's legislative interim period to study misdemeanor sentencing. This committee will look at the consequences of crimes with sentences over one year, the financial impact of these sentences on local and state authorities, and what appropriate penalties should be for certain offenses classified as misdemeanors. The bill affects lawmakers and those involved in the criminal justice system by providing them with a framework to review and potentially reform misdemeanor sentencing laws. Since it has been signed, this committee can now meet and propose changes based on their findings.

Official Summary

The bill creates the legislative interim committee on misdemeanor sentencing, to meet during the 2018 interim. The committee consists of 6 members--3 senators and 3 representatives. The senate president appoints 2 senators and designates the chair of the committee, and the senate minority leader appoints one senator. The speaker of the house of representatives appoints 2 representatives and designates the vice-chair of the committee, and the house minority leader appoints one representative. The interim committee may meet up to 5 times during the interim and may propose up to 5 exempt committee bills. The interim committee shall, at a minimum, study the following issues: The collateral consequences of a crime with a sentencing range of one year or greater; The fiscal impact of misdemeanor sentences on state and local authorities; and The appropriate penalty level for offenses that are deemed misdemeanors.(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More

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