Source: VoteSmart summary: 2014 Colorado Senate voting record
May 12, 2013
Angela Williams:
Get compensation for the wrongly convicted
Williams's proudest achievements as a legislator? "I worked hard to get compensation for the wrongly convicted. If you know Robert Dewey's story, I'm the one who led the charge on that.
And I passed eleven pieces of legislation over a two-year period about rebuilding the trust between the community and the police, and I did it in bipartisan fashion.
The Democrats were in the minority when I helped pass some of that legislation--everything from implicit-bias training to improving hiring practices to updating the racial-profiling law.
I got national recognition for that. And we got collective bargaining for firefighters when we were in the minority, too. That was a tough one."
Source: Westword.com on Colorado legislature voting record
Aug 15, 2019
Angela Williams:
Introduced bill to repeal the death penalty
The Democrats were in the minority when I helped pass some of that legislation--everything from implicit-bias training to improving hiring practices to updating the racial-profiling law.
I got national recognition for that. And we got collective bargaining for firefighters when we were in the minority, too. That was a tough one."
that all three individuals currently on death row in Colorado are black men. They also argued that trials involving the death penalty and the inevitable appellate court trials cost much more than a trial involving a potential sentence of life
imprisonment without the possibility of parole.But those in favor of maintaining the death penalty also came out swinging. Four Colorado district attorneys asserted that repealing the death penalty would be an insult to the families of murder victims.
Source: Westword.com on Colorado legislature voting record SB182
Mar 9, 2019
Bob Beauprez:
Require public notice when releasing violent prison inmates
Though public safety was not originally part of the business-focused debate, Beauprez raised the issue in reply to a question about regulating marijuana. He cited a Denver Post story about violent prison inmates being released without notice to the
public, even though those released have vowed to murder others. "It's happened on his watch," Beauprez said.Hickenlooper responded, "This has been a problem in every state and all over the country:
When someone serves their time, you can't keep them, but we tried to pass a law last year where you could have civil commitment of people who have mental illness and those deemed a real threat to others,
and we couldn't get it through."
Beauprez's campaign accused the governor of "passing the buck" on public safety
Source: Denver Post on 2014 Colorado Gubernatorial debate
Oct 6, 2014
Ed Perlmutter:
Support the use of the death penalty
Indicate which principles you support to address crime. - Support the use of the death penalty.
- Support the blood-alcohol-content limit defining drunk driving.
Source: 1998 Colorado State National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
Ed Perlmutter:
Alternative sentencing for non-violent offenders
Indicate which principles you support to address crime.- Implement penalties other than incarceration for certain non-violent offenders.
-
Increase state funds for programs which rehabilitate and educate inmates during and after their prison sentences.
Source: 1998 Colorado State National Political Awareness Test
Nov 1, 1998
George Brauchler:
Death penalty is legitimate rule of law
Brauchler won his first race for district attorney in 2012 & boosted his profile as a strong critic of Hickenlooper's decision to grant convicted killer Nathan Dunlap a temporary reprieve from the death penalty. Brauchler said if he is elected governor
he will put Dunlap's execution back on the calendar on "Day 1.""What I'm going to do is put force behind that decision by the court, by that jury, and we're going to make something legitimate of the rule of law here in this state," he explained.
His prosecution of Aurora theater shooter James Holmes once again put him in the spotlight a year into his term. He asked for the death penalty, but the jury returned a sentence for life in prison without parole--the same outcome
Holmes' attorneys offered as a plea deal before the trial.
Brauchler said he plans to remain in his position as district attorney while campaigning for governor and dismissed concerns about conflicts, saying his job would come first.
Source: Denver Post on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race
Apr 5, 2017
George Brauchler:
Supports death penalty; would lift stays of execution
A well-known district attorney who was lead prosecutor in the case against Aurora theater shooter James Holmes, gubernatorial candidate George Brauchler assailed
Gov. John Hickenlooper in 2013 for issuing a temporary stay of execution to convicted killer Nathan Dunlap. The next governor is free to lift the stay and Brauchler has indicated that he would.
Source: ColoradoPolitics.com on 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Apr 19, 2017
George Brauchler:
Defend local law enforcement and provide resources
Our police, firefighters and first responders are on the front lines of our defense and they need to be treated respectfully and with the highest regard. I will vigorously defend them when they are right, encourage improvement
where needed and expect accountability at all times. I will ensure that our local law enforcement agencies have the resources that are necessary to keep our communities safe.
Source: 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial campaign website george2018.com
Jul 12, 2017
George Brauchler:
Create specialized units to fight crime
- Created a Domestic Violence Unit to develop prosecution specialists who can get justice in these difficult cases.
- Launched a Veterans Treatment Court for offenders struggling with service-related trauma issues.
- Established a
Human Trafficking Team to aggressively tackle this burgeoning crime of sexual slavery.
- Created a Cold Case Unit to try to make sure that those who commit the worst crimes cannot walk away from them forever.
Source: 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial campaign website george2018.com
Jul 12, 2017
Greg Lopez:
Oppose unwarranted, irrational hatred of cops by radicals
The current wave of unwarranted, irrational hatred of cops by leftist radicals, demagogic politicians, and the liberal media is making our communities unsafe. Legislators believe that reducing incarceration rates is more important than the public safety
of our communities. I firmly believe that prosecution of criminals is an important public responsibility. My administration will support the men and women in blue and will be the voice to counter the rhetoric of defunding the police.
Source: 2022 Colorado Gubernatorial campaign website Lopez2022.com
Nov 9, 2021
Heidi Ganahl:
Reinstate bail, ensure parole board enforces sentences
- I will be tough on crime and work hard to make our neighborhoods safe again.
- I will reinstate bail in Colorado and appoint a strong parole board that will enforce sentences to keep our streets safe. We'll strive to help those convicted reform
their lives but repeat violent offenders will face severe consequences.
- I will allocate resources to better fund our public safety to improve law enforcement training and build better community relationships.
Source: 2022 Colorado Governor campaign website HeidiForGovernor.com
Dec 28, 2021
Heidi Ganahl:
I would fire the parole board, keep the bad guys in jail
Crime rates in Colorado continue to rise and these candidates have their own opinions on how to fix some major issues but agree that law enforcement should be supported. "Well, day one
I would give pink slips to the parole board and replace those folks with people who care about keeping the bad guys in jail and protecting our neighborhoods and our cities," Ganahl said.
Source: KDVR on 2022 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Jan 24, 2022
Jared Polis:
Restrict use of solitary confinement in local jails
HB21-1211: Concerning regulations for restrictive housing in local jails:Legislative Summary:
House Bill 21-1211 seeks to significantly restrict the use of solitary confinement in jails for those with mental health diagnoses or neurocognitive impairments,
juveniles, people who are pregnant or in the postpartum period, or people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 40-25-0 on Apr/12/21; passed Senate 21-14-0 on May/13/21; Signed by Governor Jared Polis on Jun/24/21
Source: Colorado State Legislature voting records HB21-1211
Jun 24, 2021
Jared Polis:
No mandatory minimums; yes alternative sentencing
Q: Do you support alternatives to incarceration for certain non-violent offenders such as mandatory counseling or substance abuse treatment?A: Yes.
Q: Do you support mandatory minimum sentences for non-violent drug offenders?
A: No.
Q:
Source: Colorado Vote Smart 2016 Political Courage Test
Nov 1, 2016
Jared Polis:
Make Colorado one of the 10 safest states over next 5 years
We are going to make our communities safer by focusing on training and recruiting efforts for police, supporting community policing models, increasing access to mental health services, offering early intervention grants, increasing support for domestic
violence victims, and making safety improvements in our schools and on our streets. We owe it to the people of Colorado to improve safety and make Colorado truly one of the ten safest states in the nation over the next five years.
Source: 2022 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Jan 13, 2022
Joe O`Dea:
Defunding the police isn't just bad; it's morally wrong
Here at home, we are losing our cities to homelessness and crime. The political elite refuse to stand with the police and first responders. My dad was a Denver beat cop. So the way the police are being demonized really upsets me.
Defunding the police isn't just a bad idea. It's morally wrong and the communities who suffer the most aren't the rich or the middle class--it's people in poor and disadvantaged communities.
Source: 2022 Colorado Senate campaign website JoeODea.com
Jul 19, 2022
John Hickenlooper:
$20M for mental health 24/7 call-in centers
Q: At Arapahoe H.S., a young man walked in with a pump shotgun. Someone that is visibly armed should not be able to get in.HICKENLOOPER: They did have a deputy sheriff on the premise. The moment there was trouble, he was running to the scene. But
there's a balance. And school administrators are trying to make a school not be a fortress. They want to be a place for education.
Q: What about the motivation of this young man?
HICKENLOOPER: There have been reports that maybe he was bullied. Last
year, we put in place over $20 million for mental health 24/7 call-in centers & mobile crisis centers, and to train people how to recognize mental illness when you see it. But this kid, by all accounts, didn't exhibit the warning signs of mental illness.
Obviously, it's hard to fathom why he would have done this without being somewhat crazy. But bullying does seem to be involved. We have programs now throughout the state, anti-bullying, trying to get kids to deal with that in a more constructive way.
Source: CNN SOTU 2013 interview on 2014 Colorado gubernatorial race
Dec 15, 2013
John Hickenlooper:
$34 million for violence-preventing mental health services
Part of what has gotten overlooked in the debate about guns is our work on mental health. When you look at the massacres at Columbine High School and the Aurora movie theater; and the tragedies of Platte Canyon High School, and most recently at
Arapahoe High School, guns are only a piece of the puzzle. Another clear piece is mental health:
Trying to identify and assist those who are feeling isolated, bullied, the mentally ill; and trite as this may sound, those who are feeling abandoned and unloved.We allocated more than
$34 million to create and bolster programs such as school-based mental health services, behavioral health community centers, and to train and staff round-the-clock mental health crisis centers.
Source: 2014 State of the State address to Colorado Legislature
Jan 9, 2014
John Hickenlooper:
Longer minimum prison sentences do not reduce crime
Public safety is a priority for every Coloradan. We can be tough on crime while also smart about spending taxpayer money. Key Priorities:- Review existing incarceration policies and better coordinate with human services.
- Put evidence-based
actions into place and review how federal resources are allocated statewide to support effective law enforcement.
- Continue to build on and improve transparency and communication, connecting all local jurisdictions across the State.
Over 25 years ago, we passed a law in Colorado doubling sentences for all crimes, leading to predictable increases in our prison populations. The hope was that longer sentences would keep the public safe, but longer minimum prison sentences do not reduce
crime. If many people return to prison within 3 years of their release, we must examine our flawed, one-size-fits-all approach. We need to evaluate what services and supports can lead to better outcomes and reduce recidivism and excess costs to taxpayers
Source: 2014 Governor campaign website, HickenlooperForColorado.com
Sep 1, 2014
John Hickenlooper:
Issued stay of execution for convicted killer
A well-known district attorney who was lead prosecutor in the case against Aurora theater shooter James Holmes, gubernatorial candidate George Brauchler assailed
Gov. John Hickenlooper in 2013 for issuing a temporary stay of execution to convicted killer Nathan Dunlap. The next governor is free to lift the stay and Brauchler has indicated that he would.
Source: ColoradoPolitics.com on 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Apr 19, 2017
John Hickenlooper:
Sigred bill to expunge arrest record if mistaken identity
Legislative Summary: HB1265: Expunge Arrest Records Based On Mistaken IdentityA court shall expunge the arrest and criminal records information of a person who was arrested as a result of mistaken identity, and who did not have charges
filed against him or her, within ninety days of an investigation that finds that a person was arrested as a result of mistaken identity and no charges were filed.
The law enforcement agency that made the arrest shall petition the district court, in the judicial district where the person was arrested, for an expungement order for the
arrest and criminal records information made as a result of the mistaken identity, at no cost to the person arrested.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 3/31/2016; Mike Johnston co-sponsored bill; Gov Hickenlooper signed it 6/10/2016
Source: Colorado legislative voting records: HB1265
Jun 10, 2016
John Walsh:
Worked as prosecutor since 1987, as U.S. Attorney
John Walsh will build on years working on meaningful criminal justice reform to improve our justice system. No other candidate in this race understands our criminal justice system like John does--or has fought as long or as effectively to address the
problems in that system.He has a long history of public service as a federal prosecutor, joining the United States Attorney's Office in 1987. In 2010, President Barack Obama appointed John to serve as the United States Attorney for Colorado--the
state's chief federal law enforcement officer. He worked for six years, throughout Colorado, becoming one of the longest-serving United States Attorneys in Colorado's history.
As United States Attorney for Colorado,
John worked tirelessly to build strong relationships between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, as well as between law enforcement and the Colorado community.
Source: 2020 Senate campaign website JohnWalshForColorado.com
May 19, 2019
Ken Buck:
2006: Declined to prosecute "buyer's remorse" date-rape case
Q: As district attorney, you declined to prosecute a 2006 date rape case. You told the Greeley Tribune, "A jury could very well conclude that this was a case of buyer's remorse," after you looked at the circumstances of the case and decided not to
prosecute. A lot of people thought that was an insensitive remark. The woman who was involved in this case has been critical of you, saying that your tone was one of attacking her.BUCK: The rape was reviewed by a prosecutor with 30 years prosecutorial
experience. He declined to prosecute. Two female chief deputies reviewed the case, talked to witnesses; they declined to prosecute. The Boulder County district attorney's office declined to prosecute and told me that the case couldn't be prosecuted.
Q:
But do you regret the way you talked to her?
BUCK: I don't regret the way I talked to her. It is important that a prosecutor approach a victim with a certain amount of reality, and that's what I tried to do with this victim. I didn't blame her at all.
Source: NBC's Meet the Press: 2010 Colorado Senate debate
Oct 17, 2010
Ken Buck:
Closed loophole that had let abusive fathers contact kids
Ken Buck is fighting back against the "war on women" narrative that helped doom his Senate campaign in 2010. And the opening salvo in the battle to reclaim his name is coming in the form of a 2-minute video entitled "Stephanie's Story."The story goes
like this: In 2008, Stephanie Drobny and her two young children fled their home in Montana after her abusive husband threatened to murder her and put her in the forest "where the bears would eat" her. But Ken Buck, in his capacity as District Attorney,
helped her "get through a rough time in my life," Drobny says during the video.
In the process of helping Drobny, Buck discovered a major loophole in the law that allowed perpetrators like her husband to continue contacting the children. Buck, Drobny,
and even her daughter went to the state legislature so that they could help close the loophole. The bill was signed into law in 2011.
Buck says he is taking proactive measures to undermine the "war on women" meme that hurt him last time.
Source: The Daily Caller AdWatch on 2014 Colorado Senate race
Feb 17, 2014
Michael Bennet:
Community policing frees police to focus on violent crimes
Sen. Michael Bennet has introduced a bill to support community policing programs, like the STAR Program in Denver and the Co-Responder Unit in Grand Junction "Community policing is an essential part of our response to the rise of crime in our country.
It allows law enforcement to focus on violent crimes and lets local responders respond to people experiencing mental health crises or drug addiction," Bennet said in a statement.
Source: Colorado Public Radio on 2022 Colorado Senate race
Jul 13, 2022
Mike Johnston:
Reduce sentencing disparities; ban police chokeholds
If you talk to criminal-justice reform advocates in our neighborhood--I've actually carried more legislation on criminal-justice reform over the last five years than on education: from a ban on the use of the chokehold by law enforcement; to the
CLEAR Act, about reducing disparities in the criminal-justice pipeline; to lots of work on protection of kids from child molesters and felony-DUI legislation.
The more people dig, the more they'll find I have a consistent record of these kinds of big ideas with unusual coalitions in all parts of legislation. Even here in the daily activity of our community office--it's not a bill that you have to
pass, but we've brought together folks for real transformation, to help work toward a solution that works for this neighborhood. Most people don't build coalitions like this or, I think, get results like this.
Source: Westword interview on 2018 Colorado Gubernatorial race
Jan 25, 2017
Mike Johnston:
Tougher on DUI and sexual assault
He passed the first felony DUI law requiring that repeat DUI offenders face more serious jail time.
In 2016, Mike sponsored legislation which extends the statute of limitations on sexual assault.
Source: 2018 Colorado Governor website MikeJohnstonForColorado.com
Sep 1, 2017
Mike Johnston:
Sponsored bill to expunge arrest record if mistaken identity
Legislative Summary: HB1265: Expunge Arrest Records Based On Mistaken IdentityA court shall expunge the arrest and criminal records information of a person who was arrested as a result of mistaken identity, and who did not have charges
filed against him or her, within ninety days of an investigation that finds that a person was arrested as a result of mistaken identity and no charges were filed.
The law enforcement agency that made the arrest shall petition the district court, in the judicial district where the person was arrested, for an expungement order for the
arrest and criminal records information made as a result of the mistaken identity, at no cost to the person arrested.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 3/31/2016; Mike Johnston co-sponsored bill; Gov Hickenlooper signed it 6/10/2016
Source: Colorado legislative voting records: HB1265
Mar 31, 2016
Mike Johnston:
Ban police chokeholds; push the CLEAR Act
During his time as a state senator who represented northeast Denver, Johnston championed criminal justice reform, banning the use of chokeholds in law enforcement and pushing the CLEAR Act [Community Law Enforcement Action Reporting Act, to report law
enforcement data by race and ethnicity].He had a record-breaking fundraising period, with at least $625,000 for the first quarter of 2017. He's vowed not to accept money from political action committees (PACs).
Source: Colorado Times-Recorder on 2018 Colorado gubernatorial race
Apr 17, 2017
Owen Hill:
Expunge arrest records based on mistaken identity
Legislative Summary: HB1265: Expunge Arrest Records Based On Mistaken IdentityA court shall expunge the arrest and criminal records information of a person who was arrested as a result of mistaken identity, and who did not have charges
filed against him or her, within ninety days of an investigation that finds that a person was arrested as a result of mistaken identity and no charges were filed.
The law enforcement agency that made the arrest shall petition the district court, in the judicial district where the person was arrested, for an expungement order for the
arrest and criminal records information made as a result of the mistaken identity, at no cost to the person arrested.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 3/31/2016; Gov Hickenlooper signed it 6/10/2016
Source: Colorado legislative voting records: HB1265
Mar 31, 2016
Randy Baumgardner:
Voted NO on parole violation punishment reduction
HB 1360: Parole Violation Punishment Reduction:- The community parole officer is responsible for supervising offenders in the community and supporting the division of adult parole in providing assistance to parolees to secure employment, housing
and other services to support their successful reintegration into the community.
- Authorizes the board to revoke parole for a period not to exceed 90 days rather than the previous number of 180 days if the inmate is assessed as below high risk based
upon a research-based risk assessment instrument when the parolee has violated any condition of parole other than commission of a new crime
- Authorizes the board to place a parolee in appropriate treatment programs based on an assessment by the Dept.
of Human Services.
- Reduces the annual general appropriation to the department of corrections, management, external capacity subprogram, for payments to house state prisoners by $4.74 million [to be used instead for re-entry support services].
Source: VoteSmart summary: 2014 Colorado Senate voting record
May 12, 2013
Randy Baumgardner:
Expunge arrest records based on mistaken identity
Legislative Summary: HB1265: Expunge Arrest Records Based On Mistaken IdentityA court shall expunge the arrest and criminal records information of a person who was arrested as a result of mistaken identity, and who did not have charges
filed against him or her, within ninety days of an investigation that finds that a person was arrested as a result of mistaken identity and no charges were filed.
The law enforcement agency that made the arrest shall petition the district court, in the judicial district where the person was arrested, for an expungement order for the
arrest and criminal records information made as a result of the mistaken identity, at no cost to the person arrested.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 3/31/2016; Gov Hickenlooper signed it 6/10/2016
Source: Colorado legislative voting records: HB1265
Mar 31, 2016
Ron Hanks:
Don't restrict use of solitary confinement in local jails
HB21-1211: Concerning regulations for restrictive housing in local jails:Legislative Summary:
House Bill 21-1211 seeks to significantly restrict the use of solitary confinement in jails for those with mental health diagnoses or neurocognitive impairments,
juveniles, people who are pregnant or in the postpartum period, or people who have intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Legislative Outcome:
Passed House 40-25-0 on Apr/12/21; State Rep. Ron Hanks voted NO; passed Senate 21-14-0 on May/13/21; Signed by Governor Jared Polis on Jun/24/21
Source: Colorado State Legislature voting records HB21-1211
Apr 12, 2021
Ryan Frazier:
Criminal justice reform needed against $30,000 per inmate
In Colorado, it costs upwards of $30,000 a year to house and feed an inmate and yet we only invest $6,800 a year per student.
Criminal justice reform is needed for our community.
Source: 2016 Colorado Senate campaign website FrazierForColorado.com
Feb 3, 2016
Tim Neville:
Expunge arrest records based on mistaken identity
Legislative Summary: HB1265: Expunge Arrest Records Based On Mistaken IdentityA court shall expunge the arrest and criminal records information of a person who was arrested as a result of mistaken identity, and who did not have charges
filed against him or her, within ninety days of an investigation that finds that a person was arrested as a result of mistaken identity and no charges were filed.
The law enforcement agency that made the arrest shall petition the district court, in the judicial district where the person was arrested, for an expungement order for the
arrest and criminal records information made as a result of the mistaken identity, at no cost to the person arrested.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 3/31/2016; Gov Hickenlooper signed it 6/10/2016
Source: Colorado legislative voting records: HB1265
Mar 31, 2016
William Owens:
DNA tests for all felons; "Two strikes" for child molesters
Since taking office, I have signed a number of public safety bills including a "two strikes and you're out" rule for child molesters, DNA testing of all felons, and a new law that immediately revokes the parole of a parolee caught carrying a gun.
I believe we should do more. DNA testing today allows us to solve murder, rape and other violent crimes decades after the crime is committed. It is time to remove the statute of limitations on such crimes. We should do all we can to catch, prosecute and
lock-up rapists and other violent criminals, whether they committed the crime ten days ago or ten years ago.
Colorado's judicial system is approaching a crisis due to a serious shortage of trial court judges. That's why I support legislation to
create 24 new District Court judgeships. Since becoming Governor I have made 33 judicial appointments. These are tough judges who care as much about the victims' rights as those of the criminals.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Colorado legislature
Jan 11, 2001
Jared Polis:
Crack down on auto theft, propose tougher sentencing
This funding will help us crack down on auto theft with stronger tools like technology to help us locate and return stolen vehicles, an auto-theft task force, and greater support for District Attorneys in communities with high rates of auto theft to
help them prosecute the criminals responsible. I called on the Commission on Criminal and Juvenile Justice to get tough on auto theft sentencing, and the Commission's Sentencing Task Force moved that recommendation forward overwhelmingly.
Source: 2023 State of the State Address to the Colorado legislature
Jan 17, 2023
Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023