CO HB1215

Amends Colorado Revised Statutes 17-22.5-102.5 to redefine the statutory purposes of parole from a punishment-focused approach to one emphasizing reintegration and support services.

Replaces the primary purpose of punishing offenders with furthering all purposes of sentencing and improving public safety by reducing crime and technical parole violations.

Adds new purposes including preparing and assisting people transitioning back to the community, setting individualized parole conditions, and providing supervision services to address identified risks and needs.

Establishes achieving successful discharge from parole supervision through compliance with release terms that address individual risks and needs as a stated purpose.

Takes effect August 10, 2016, or upon approval by voters at the November 2016 general election if a referendum petition is filed.