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SB26-095 would update Colorado law to improve transparency, strengthen survivor rights, and bolster trauma-informed procedures in court and law enforcement response
DENVER, CO – The House Judiciary Committee today passed legislation that would improve access to information for survivors of crime and strengthen trauma-informed practices in the justice system. SB26-095, sponsored by Representatives Meg Froelich and Jenny Willford, passed by a vote of 10-1.
“Choosing to report is a very difficult decision for a survivor, and we should ensure that survivors do not have to jump through hoops in order to hold their abuser accountable,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “This bill makes a number of changes around trauma-informed training, survivors’ rights and remote testimony to improve survivors’ experience as they navigate the health care and judicial systems. I am proud to continue our efforts to ensure survivors have agency and dignity as they navigate the legal system.”
“We’re making changes to the health care, legal and justice systems to prevent the retraumatization of survivors and make it easier for survivors to seek justice,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “Colorado Democrats stand with survivors, and our bill makes crucial changes that make navigating the justice system an easier, less traumatic experience for survivors. This would aid in the healing process for survivors and improve public safety across the state.”
SB26-095 would make several updates to Colorado statute, including:
Ensuring that victims are notified when forensic testing is complete and informed of how to obtain results and other records related to testing;
Creating a special motion to dismiss claims arising from protected survivor statements made during investigations or legal proceedings, helping to shield survivors from retaliatory lawsuits;
Limiting the enforceability of mandatory pre-dispute arbitration and joint-action waivers, thereby strengthening the rights of survivors in sexual misconduct disputes;
Authorizing remote forensic testimony and allowing certain survivors to voluntarily testify remotely; and
Expanding training and use of peace officer training funds to include trauma-informed law enforcement response training.
Reps. Froelich and Willford passed laws last year to address the backlog in DNA tests collected in sexual assault investigations and protect survivors and children conceived through sexual assault. The CBI backlog of processing sexual assault evidence kits reached over 1,400 days in February 2025. As of March 2026, the backlog has been reduced to over 560 days.
Rep. Froelich has also passed laws to give survivors of sexual assault new rights to access DNA evidence kits and require judges and other court personnel to receive training regarding child abuse, child sexual abuse and custody decisions.