Colorado at a Crossroads:
This week brought both wins and losses for public safety. My bill HB26-1290, Criminal Offense of Assault, passed both the House and Senate unanimously and is now headed to the Governor for signature into law. It increases strangulation to a second-degree felony. Our Law Enforcement Resolution also passed in the House. It was great to have so many Sheriffs and Police Chiefs in the chamber during the reading and passage of the resolution. I also appreciated the opportunity to visit with our Douglas County Sheriff, Darren Weekly, who is doing an excellent job protecting the public and leading our county.
Sadly, on the other end of the spectrum, HB26-1281, Homicide Criminal Offenses, passed the House Floor by one vote 33-32. I voted no and firmly believe that we should have justice for the families and not pity for the criminals. This bill is a tragic misuse of empathy that will soon become deep regret. The proponents are calling it the “redemption bill” and comparing it to the conversion of Saul into Paul in the New Testament. I beg to disagree. There must be severe consequences for violent and depraved crimes like murder and rape.
HB26-1281’s passage declares that one life is not enough for a first-degree murder charge. In my opinion, there are no circumstances in which one life is not enough. Who will look at the families in their eyes and say that the murder of their 13-year-old child isn’t enough for life behind bars.
It is hard to put into words how deeply troubling this is. We read case after case of family members who have had a loved one murdered in all sorts of violent and despicable ways. But now, the murderer would be eligible for parole under this bill and given a “redemption chance”. It is impossible to imagine sitting in the courtroom of your murdered child knowing that the perpetrator will be on the streets once again. This is the start of a very slippery slope, and I am opposed to the direction we are heading.
SB26-158 and 159 are yet more attempts by justice reformers to speed the early release of inmates. SB26-159 was described very well by saying, “Close enough prisons, and those remaining open will be overcrowded.” How many get-out-of-jail-free cards do we need before victims are repeatedly hurt by the same offenders? These bills are two more blows to Colorado’s justice system as lawmakers administer what the Denver Gazette calls “ a slow death by a thousand cuts”. These bills will have real and irreversible consequences for victims, and lasting negative effects on public safety.
Regarding the budget and taxes, we have been debating HB26-1419, which attempts to claw back TABOR refunds because the Governor and Majority Party have overspent the budget. Our roads and infrastructure have been neglected for eight years while the Governor and Majority Party have consistently spent beyond what taxpayers can support. Now the bill is due, and the Majority Party wants to take more from taxpayers. I am adamantly opposed to this bill. You can watch my speech on the issue here:
This bill, along with HB26-1221, 1222, 1223, and 1289, passed this session, will leave Colorado businesses continuing to gasp for air. Many have told me they still cannot keep up with the new regulations the State imposed last year, and we are already adding more to the list. That is egregious and moves the State in the wrong direction. I will continue to fight for lower taxes and better public safety. Thank you all for your continued support. I will push through the final two weeks of the session with each of you in mind. Let’s finish this season strong!
