Senate Bill 180 – Concerning a specialized program within the department of corrections for certain offenders who were convicted as adults for offenses they committed as juveniles.
This bill would require the department of corrections to develop and implement a program that would apply to an offender who was sentenced to an adult prison for a felony crime when the offender was younger than 18. The offender may apply for placement in the program if he or she has served 20 calendar years of his or her sentence. If an offender is granted entry into this program and successfully completes the program the offender may apply to the governor for early parole. The state board of parole shall make a recommendation to the governor concerning whether early parole should be granted to such an offender.
Allowing juveniles the opportunity for parole after a lengthy sentence does not mean that they will automatically be released. Providing the opportunity, however, for these individuals to demonstrate their human remorse and genuine rehabilitation fosters a return of dignity and upholds the true purpose of criminal justice.
The Colorado Catholic Conference SUPPORTS this legislation.
ACTION: Please contact your State Senator and ask him or her to SUPPORT SB 180
TO READ SB 180 CLICK HERE
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Senate Bill 181 – Concerning the sentencing of persons convicted of class 1 felonies committed while the persons were juveniles. This bill concerns juveniles serving life without parole and brings Colorado into compliance with the U.S. Supreme Court decision (Miller v. Alabama) declaring that mandatory life-without-parole sentences for children violate the Eighth Amendment prohibition against cruel and usual punishments. The Catholic Church believes that it is important that sentencing looks to restore healing to families and individuals while also providing opportunities for offenders to grow, mature, and potentially be able to find a life outside of crime.
The Colorado Catholic Conference SUPPORTS this legislation.
ACTION: Please contact your State Senator and ask him or her to SUPPORT SB 181
TO READ SB 181 CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE TO LOG IN AND SEND YOUR MESSAGE