HB 15-1091: Juvenile Shackling Policies

• Chief judge of each judicial district must develop an evidence-based policy on juvenile shackling in courtrooms by July 1, 2016, in consultation with judicial department, law enforcement, public defenders, and district attorneys.

• Policy development must consider national research on shackling effects, relevant statutory and case law, whether presumptions against shackling certain juveniles are warranted, and best practices from Colorado and other states.

• Policies must address both the needs and rehabilitation of juveniles and protection of public safety, with consideration for facility-specific security needs and available resources within each judicial district.

• Policies must be issued with full force and effect of court orders and made available to the public upon request.

• State court administrator must report to legislature's judiciary committees by January 31, 2017, regarding the policies developed by each judicial district.