Committee advances technical fix allowing state patrol to use state risk coverage instead of bonds

Representatives introduced Senate Bill 25036 on April 2, 2025, describing it as a technical correction to align the Colorado State Patrol with prior changes the General Assembly made in 2018 (House Bill 1140) that allow certain public officials to use insurance instead of personal surety bonds. Sponsors said the State Patrol could not previously use that option because the state is self‑insured and carriers would not issue the required coverage to the patrol.

Assistant Minority Leader Winter, a co‑prime sponsor, said the bill authorizes a self‑insured alternative provided through the State Office of Risk Management so the patrol can meet statutory coverage requirements in the same practical manner as other public safety entities. Colonel Matthew Packard, chief of the Colorado State Patrol, told the committee the office of risk management has handled such coverage for decades and the bill simply authorizes the existing state self‑insurance alternative. Julie Milam, director of the State Office of Risk Management, testified the office currently provides liability defense for state employees and that the bill “saves the risk management fund the cost of those bonds every year.” Milam said the measure would not affect citizens’ ability to file claims and that the office has adjusters in place to handle claims.

No amendments were offered in committee. The bill was moved to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation and passed the committee by an 11-0 recorded vote with two members excused. Sponsors told the committee the change is technical, intended to ensure consistency and equity across public safety agencies and to implement the intent of the 2018 law more fully.