ColoradoHB26-11342026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Fairness & Transparency in Municipal Court

Sponsored By: Elizabeth Velasco (Democratic), Javier Mabrey (Democratic), Judy Amabile (Democratic), Mike Weissman (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Courts & Judicial

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Continued lawyers and court access for detainees

An appointed defense lawyer continues representing a jailed defendant at least until release. After release, defendants can apply for counsel, which courts must provide when they cannot afford counsel and face possible jail. Courts must also appoint counsel after notice of a municipal hold when the defendant has not appeared and cannot or may not post bail. The holding municipality's defense counsel can also choose to represent that defendant. When courts learn someone with a pending municipal criminal or traffic case is jailed in Colorado, they must seek prompt resolution. For cases allowing jail, courts must take reasonable steps to bring the person before them and appoint counsel as required. Courts cannot deny an appearance because another matter keeps the person jailed. Defendants can expressly agree to a delay after appearing; nontrial hearings can allow counsel or video or phone appearances.

Prompt hearings and lawyers for jailed defendants

Municipal courts must hold a hearing within 48 hours after learning someone is held only on a municipal hold. Listed reasons can excuse delays, including refusal or inability to attend, emergencies, or an emergency court closure. Defendants have a right to a court-appointed defense lawyer at the hearing. Courts must notify the lawyer, and courts and jail staff must allow access and enough preparation time. Courts must also notify prosecutors; reporting agencies must give both lawyers the information they supplied to the court. This includes arrest warrants, probable cause statements, and criminal histories when supplied. The hearing covers charges, rights, bond, and a plea, unless the defendant asks to delay the plea. The jail need not transport the defendant; the law allows video or phone appearances in specified situations.

Some municipal courts cannot impose jail

Municipal courts that are not courts of record cannot sentence people to jail for municipal ordinance violations. They also cannot impose a fine above $300 per conviction. These limits apply only to convictions in those courts.

Free online viewing of criminal courts

Colorado courts, including municipal courts, must offer free, live remote viewing and listening for criminal proceedings held in open court. Courts must post observation links prominently on their websites. Legal exceptions apply, and temporary or intermittent internet or technology problems can interrupt access. Safety and staffing exceptions do not apply when a defendant is held on a municipal violation carrying possible jail.

Pay protections for municipal defense lawyers

Municipalities directly contracting with lawyers for defendants who cannot afford counsel must follow Colorado's alternate defense contract payment structure. Rates must be at least as high as state rates for contracted lawyers and interdisciplinary team members. Maximum fixed or flat fees are barred, except for initial in-custody appearances that pay at least the state hourly equivalent. Salary payments do not count as fixed or flat fees. These rules cover municipal defense contracts generally, not just domestic violence cases. They protect lawyer pay and may raise municipal contract costs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Andrew Boesenecker
Democratic • House
Cecelia Espenoza
Democratic • House
Emily Sirota
Democratic • House
Jamie Jackson
Democratic • House
Junie Joseph
Democratic • House
Jacque Phillips
Democratic • House
Kyle Brown
Democratic • House
Karen McCormick
Democratic • House
Kenny Nguyen
Democratic • House
Lori Goldstein
Democratic • House
Meg Froelich
Democratic • House
Mandy Lindsay
Democratic • House
Manny Rutinel
Democratic • House
Regina English
Democratic • House
Sean Camacho
Democratic • House
Sheila Lieder
Democratic • House
Steven Woodrow
Democratic • House
Tammy Story
Democratic • House
Cathy Kipp
Democratic • Senate
Iman Jodeh
Democratic • Senate
Janice Marchman
Democratic • Senate
Kyle Mullica
Democratic • Senate
Tony Exum
Democratic • Senate
Tom Sullivan
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 80 • No: 34

Senate vote • 3/31/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 24 • No: 11

Senate vote • 3/25/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1134 to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 4 • No: 2

House vote • 3/3/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 43 • No: 19

House vote • 2/25/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1134, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 9 • No: 2

Actions Timeline

Governor Signed
4/27/2026House
Signed by the Speaker of the House
4/16/2026House
Signed by the President of the Senate
4/16/2026Senate
Sent to the Governor
4/16/2026House
Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
3/31/2026Senate
Senate Second Reading Passed - No Amendments
3/30/2026Senate
Senate Committee on Judiciary Refer Unamended to Senate Committee of the Whole
3/25/2026Senate
Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Judiciary
3/10/2026Senate
House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
3/3/2026House
House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor
3/2/2026House
House Committee on Judiciary Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole
2/25/2026House
Introduced In House - Assigned to Judiciary
2/4/2026House

Bill Text

Engrossed
PDF
Final Act
PDF
House Judiciary Preamend
PDF
Introduced
PDF
Reengrossed
PDF
Rerevised
PDF
Revised
PDF
Signed Act
PDF

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