CO SB182

Repeals capital punishment in Colorado for offenses charged on or after July 1, 2019, replacing it with life imprisonment as the maximum sentence for Class 1 felonies

Preserves existing death sentences imposed before July 1, 2019, without alteration or commutation

Establishes legislative findings that the death penalty is ineffective public policy, risks executing innocent people, is applied inconsistently across judicial districts, and disproportionately affects minority and low-income populations

Makes conforming amendments to sentencing statutes, appellate review procedures, and mental health evaluation requirements to remove references to death penalty sentencing hearings for offenses charged after the effective date

Maintains life imprisonment without possibility of parole as the punishment for Class 1 felonies and first-degree murder of peace officers, firefighters, and emergency medical service providers committed after July 1, 2019