CO HB1013

HB 25-1013: Department of Corrections Visitation Rights

• Establishes visitation rights for persons confined in Colorado correctional facilities, including contact visits, non-contact visits, family time visits, telephone calls, and video visitation

• Prohibits the Department of Corrections from fully depriving visitation for persons in restrictive housing or with restricted privileges; limits contact visit restrictions to maximum 30 consecutive days and guarantees at least one telephone call every 5 days

• Requires the department to make reasonable efforts to allow virtual attendance at funerals and births for family members, with telephone calls as an alternative if technology is unavailable

• Mandates annual reporting beginning January 2026 on visitation-related grievances and program changes as part of the department's SMART Act hearing

• Permits confined persons to file grievances alleging visitation deprivation regardless of housing status, though the bill does not create a private right of action