CO SB128

Allows courts and opposing counsel to object to peremptory challenges based on racial or ethnic bias in criminal cases by simple citation to the statute.

Requires the party exercising a peremptory challenge to articulate all reasons upfront and prohibits citing additional reasons later; courts cannot rely on unarticulated reasons.

Establishes that courts need not find purposeful discrimination to deny a challenge if an objective observer could view race or ethnicity as a factor; requires contemporaneous written explanation on the record.

Lists seven presumptively invalid reasons for peremptory challenges: prior law enforcement contact, distrust of police, close relationships with arrested individuals, residing in certain neighborhoods, having a child outside marriage, receiving state benefits, and speaking English as a second language.

Requires appellate courts to review denials of objections de novo and review trial court factual findings for substantial evidence; any erroneously denied objection is deemed prejudicial error requiring reversal and new trial.