CO SB071

SB26-071: Use of Surveillance Technology by Law Enforcement

• Establishes the "Surveillance Accountability and Freedom Ensured (SAFE) Act" effective July 1, 2027, restricting law enforcement surveillance technology use to lawful purposes directly related to public safety or active investigations

• Requires warrants for facial recognition use except in exigent circumstances with imminent public safety threats; limits traffic cameras and license plate readers to public spaces for specific enforcement purposes

• Sets data retention limits: 30 days for traffic/license plate reader data, 90 days for pole-mounted cameras and drones, 7 days for facial recognition data (unless part of active investigation)

• Prohibits sale of surveillance data; requires public privacy impact assessments and governing body approval before purchasing, deploying, or upgrading surveillance technology

• Authorizes Attorney General biennial audits and civil enforcement actions with penalties up to $5,000 per violation; data collected in violation is inadmissible as evidence except in civil actions against the agency