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DENVER, CO - The House today passed legislation that would address the backlog in DNA tests collected by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the aftermath of sexual assaults. SB25-304, sponsored by Representatives Jenny Willford and Meg Froelich, passed by a vote of 61-4.
"CBI’s backlog exceeding 550 days is unacceptable,” said Rep. Jenny Willford, D-Northglenn. “There are over 1,300 survivors waiting for their results, and each number is a real person who is seeking the answers they need to pursue accountability and justice. Survivors deserve better, and this bill demonstrates that Colorado stands with them in their fight.”
"The CBI backlog has had devastating consequences on survivors and victims, and this bill would help create a system that puts them at the forefront,” said Rep. Meg Froelich, D-Englewood. “I have proudly sponsored numerous laws to bolster how Colorado handles and processes sexual assault kits, including allowing victims to track the status of their case. This legislation would improve accountability and address the backlog so survivors can seek the justice they deserve."
SB25-304, titled the “Miranda Gordon Justice For Survivors Act of 2025”, would create the Colorado Sexual Assault Forensic Medical Evidence Review Board, whose mission mirrors that of the existing Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board. The board would review and monitor the effectiveness of current protocols, standards, and training practices in the criminal legal system response to sexual assault. Under the bill, it would be required to make victim-centered recommendations for improvement in accordance with the federal Violence Against Women Act of 1994 to the General Assembly by November 1, 2026.
Additionally, the bill would:
Create a notification requirement under the Victim Rights Act that a law enforcement agency must notify victims at least once every 90 days if they have not received DNA test results for their case,
Require that crime labs endeavor to analyze test kits and upload results within 60 days,
Instruct CBI to create a public-facing dashboard that provides reports on the forensic medical evidence and DNA evidence backlog within 90 days, and
Expand existing reporting rules to require that each member of the General Assembly receives updated information about turn around times and backlog progress twice each year.
Earlier this year, a former Colorado Bureau of Investigation forensic scientist was charged with manipulating and mishandling data in the DNA testing process of more than 800 criminal cases dating back as far back as 2014. This has contributed to the 558-day wait to receive results for a sexual assault kit. SB25-304 and HB25-1275 are a direct response to CBI crime laboratory misconduct and will help uphold the integrity of Colorado’s forensic system.