CO HB1281

Narrows first degree murder with extreme indifference to require either: death of more than one person, death plus serious bodily injury to two or more with a deadly weapon, death of a child under 12, or death of a peace officer/firefighter/EMS provider on duty

Creates new second degree murder charge for extreme indifference conduct causing death of only one person, with mandatory sentencing of at least three times the minimum presumptive range

Establishes aggravated vehicular homicide when a DUI/reckless driving death involves aggravating factors: two prior DUI convictions, prior vehicular homicide/assault conviction, fleeing law enforcement, fleeing another felony, or high-speed driving creating imminent risk

Creates new class 5 felony of negligent vehicular homicide for causing death through criminal negligence while operating a motor vehicle

Takes effect July 1, 2026, and applies to offenses committed on or after that date