BILL TO REDUCE YOUTH RECIDIVISM, PREVENT CRIME PASSES COMMITTEE

HB22-1003 is part of Colorado Democrats’ public safety package

DENVER, CO – HB22-1003, which would improve public safety and prevent juvenile justice involvement by providing resources to community-based violence and dropout prevention programs, passed the House Judiciary Committee today by a vote of 7-4.

“This session, we’re going to make smart investments to reduce recidivism and address the root causes of the pandemic-induced crime that is impacting our community and communities across the country,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This bill will provide over $4 million to expand proven programs across Colorado that reduce crime by giving youth access to the services and support they need.”

“The pandemic has put enormous strain on our communities with instability from a lack of housing, access to behavioral health and job opportunities leading to a rise in crime across the country,” said Rep. Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, D-Denver. “I’m proud we’ll be providing resources to the critical programs in our communities that we know are effective at preventing children and youth from becoming involved in the juvenile justice system. The bill focuses on children and youth support and interventions, and services to prevent children and youth from entering the juvenile justice system in the first place.”

HB22-1003, sponsored by Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, would establish the Delinquency Prevention and Young Offender Intervention Pilot Grant Program. The program would award two-year grants to local governments, American Indian Tribes, school districts, charter schools and nonprofit organizations to fund projects that prevent crime among youth. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate a community-based response involving collaboration with multiple agencies to reduce crime.