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Senate approves bill clarifying defense access to tangible evidence; lawmakers debate fiscal impact
Summary
The Senate passed House Bill 11-14 to clarify how defense attorneys may review tangible objects held by law enforcement; supporters said it restores fairness for defendants, while critics warned of a departmental fiscal note and potential unfunded mandates for local agencies.
DENVER — The Colorado Senate on March 6 approved House Bill 11-14, a judiciary-sponsored measure that clarifies procedures to allow defense attorneys to review tangible evidence held by law enforcement in preparation for criminal trials.
Sponsor Senator Gonzales told colleagues the bill addresses practical problems that have emerged as law enforcement agencies increasingly use recording and digital evidence. Gonzales said some defense attorneys were told they could only view sealed or bagged evidence without actually seeing recordings or items inside packaging, a process she described as causing delays and "waste." She said HB 11-14 sets a clearer court process to ensure…
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