HB 18-1251

HB 18-1251, also known as the Community Corrections Transition Placements bill, aims to improve how Colorado manages offenders transitioning from prison to community-based programs. It requires parole boards to refer eligible offenders for these programs and mandates that community corrections boards use a structured process based on research when deciding placements. The bill removes certain restrictions that previously limited where an offender could be placed in such programs, making it easier to find suitable options. Signed into law, this bill will help streamline the transition of offenders from incarceration to community supervision, ultimately supporting better rehabilitation outcomes and public safety.

Official Summary

The bill requires the state board of parole to submit a list of offenders for community corrections transition placement referrals to the department of corrections staff. The staff shall inform the board when the referral is made or the reason for not making the referral. If an offender completes a community corrections program, the board shall schedule a parole release hearing and, if the decision is to deny parole, the majority of the full board is required to deny parole at that hearing. The bill requires community corrections boards to develop and use a structured, research-based decision-making process that combines professional judgment and actuarial risk and needs assessment tools. If a community corrections board denies a transition offender a community corrections transition placement, the board shall electronically inform the department of corrections regarding the basis for the denial, suggestions for program completion, and a suggested subsequent referral timeline. The bill specifies the information that must be included in a community corrections transition placement referral or subsequent referral packet. Current law gives the jurisdiction where a community corrections transition placement intends to parole first right of refusal. The bill eliminates the first right of refusal if attempting to place the transition offender into a specialized community corrections program or if the offender requests a placement in a different jurisdiction. The bill requires the subsequent referral of an offender for community corrections transition placement within 6 to 12 months of the offender's denial if the offender has not had a class I code of penal discipline violation in the previous year; the offender does not have consecutive misdemeanor sentences to serve; and the offender does not have a pending immigration detainer, pending felony charges, or an extraditable warrant. When an offender refuses placement in a community corrections program, the executive director may make a subsequent referral for the offender after the offender informs the executive director that the circumstance that formed the basis for the refusal has changed or resolved. The division of criminal justice is required to provide community corrections training to department of corrections staff and community corrections boards. The division shall produce a report describing key community corrections data trends. The bill appropriates $264,070 to the department of public safety from the general fund. (Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.) , Read More

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