Colorado Senate Passes Police Reform Bill In 32-1 Vote

DENVER, CO — The Colorado Senate passed a police reform and accountability bill Tuesday amid nationwide protests against the death of George Floyd. Senate Bill 217 passed in a 32-1 vote.

Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg (R-Sterling) opposed the bill, and two lawmakers were excused from the vote. The Senate's preliminary vote on Monday was unanimous.

The bill aims to increase accountability and transparency within Colorado’s law enforcement system, and strengthen the criminal legal standard for police officers that use excessive force. The bill explicitly outlaws the choke hold and protects protesters from police violence.

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The bill would also remove the shield of immunity for prosecution from law enforcement found to have acted unlawfully, allowing peace officers to be sued individually.

The bill will require all law enforcement to use body cameras and to collect and report data on those who are stopped and searched.

House Democrats are confident that the bill will pass in the House before the session ends Friday.