HB 24-1225

House Bill 24-1225, which has been signed into law but won't take effect until November 2024 if approved by voters, changes Colorado’s bail and jury selection rules for first-degree murder cases. It removes the right to bail for individuals charged with first-degree murder when there is strong evidence or presumption of guilt. Additionally, it increases the number of juror challenges each side can make in these cases, similar to how it's handled in capital cases. This bill affects defendants facing first-degree murder charges and impacts their legal rights during both pre-trial and trial phases.

Official Summary

Under current law, all persons have the right to bail pending disposition of charges, with certain exceptions, including an exception for persons charged with capital offenses. The act adds an exception for murder in the first degree when proof is evident or presumption is great. Under current law, in capital cases, each side is entitled to 10 peremptory juror challenges, and if there is more than one defendant, each side is entitled to an additional 3 peremptory challenges for every defendant after the first. The act applies that existing law to cases in which a defendant is charged with murder in the first degree. The act takes effect only if House Concurrent Resolution 24-1002 is approved by the people at the general election to be held November 2024. APPROVED by Governor April 29, 2024 EFFECTIVE Date of the official declaration of the vote thereon by the governor.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Votes