CO SB172

Defines "unlawful abandonment" as the intentional and unreasonable desertion of an at-risk person in a manner that endangers their safety, making it a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Creates the crime of "false imprisonment of an at-risk person" with three scenarios: confinement in locked/barricaded spaces as part of cruel punishment (Class 6 felony), physical restraints like tying or caging (Class 6 felony), or confinement by force/threats/intimidation (Class 1 misdemeanor).

Provides an affirmative defense for caregivers whose conduct would otherwise violate physical restraint provisions if the conduct is reasonable, appropriate, and necessary to promote the at-risk person's safety and welfare.

Appropriates $110,652 from the Capital Construction Fund to the Corrections Expansion Reserve Fund for fiscal year 2019-20, $26,220 to the Department from the General Fund for 2020-21, and $1,902 for 2021-22.

Takes effect July 1, 2019, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date.