CO SB273

Creates a working group within the Department of Public Safety to study and propose statewide policies and community response alternatives to law enforcement for low-level offenses and calls for service with no criminal conduct; group must report findings by February 1, 2022.

Prohibits peace officers from making jail-eligible arrests for traffic offenses, petty offenses, drug petty offenses, municipal offenses, drug misdemeanors, or misdemeanors unless the offense is statutorily required for arrest, is a victim rights crime, involves firearms or sexual conduct, or the officer cannot verify identity.

Requires courts to issue personal recognizance bonds instead of monetary bonds for misdemeanors, municipal offenses, and lower-level felonies unless defendant poses flight risk or safety threat and no other conditions mitigate risk; exceptions apply for failure to appear when witnesses were subpoenaed or called.

Permits appellate review of bail and bond orders by either defendant or prosecution and authorizes sheriffs to actively manage jail populations through offense-based admission standards to keep populations as low as possible while maintaining community safety.

Appropriates $24,436 to the Judicial Department and $50,375 to the Department of Public Safety for implementation; takes effect January 1, 2022, with sections 1 and 7 subject to voter approval if referendum petition is filed.