Martinez Bill to Boost Public Safety Passes House

DENVER, CO –  The House today passed legislation to boost public safety by streamlining the process for properly trained armed forces members to become peace officers. HB24-1093 passed by a vote of 59 to 5. 

“This bipartisan legislation will improve public safety and help our communities fill open positions in law enforcement,” said Rep. Matthew Martinez, D-Monte Vista. “This bill removes barriers for qualified members of the armed forces to become peace officers in Colorado. Peace officers in the armed forces are trained professionals, and this legislation streamlines the process to becoming a Colorado peace officer and creates a strong career path for those who served our country.” 

HB24-1093, also sponsored by Rep. Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, would streamline the process for qualified members of the armed forces to become peace officers in Colorado. Under current law, the Police Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Board has the authority to grant a provisional peace officer certification to individuals that were authorized as peace officers in a federal jurisdiction, excluding the armed forces. This bill removes the armed forces exclusion so that members in the armed forces can transition to Colorado peace officers.