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Senate approves public-safety supplemental after debate over CBI backlog and oversight
Summary
Senate Bill 105, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Public Safety that increases funding for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation, passed after senators pressed for accountability over a forensic testing backlog.
Senate Bill 105, a supplemental appropriation to the Department of Public Safety that included additional funding for the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI), passed on third reading after floor debate about forensic testing backlogs and oversight.
Nut graf: Senators voting for the bill said it was necessary to fund additional testing and services; others warned against offering a “blank check” without stronger accountability and oversight plans for CBI.
Senator Bridges, sponsor of the bill, said she considered voting no because of concerns about how CBI had managed forensic testing but ultimately moved for passage while urging additional work. On the floor she said, “I do not believe that giving them a blank check is going to result in justice for the people of Colorado,” and added that she supported passage “with the understanding that more work will be done to ensure that CBI delivers justice for the people of Colorado.”
Senator Kirkmeyer (floor pronunciation varied in the transcript) said the Joint Budget Committee intends to follow up and hold the bureau accountable, warning CBI to “show up with a plan” as the JBC will “double down.” Senator Amabile echoed the approach, saying lawmakers will “use the power of the purse” to require the bureau to improve testing and victim services.
On the floor, senators referenced that CBI had a backlog of sexual-assault evidence testing (a figure of about a 275-day backlog was cited) and that the appropriation included roughly a $3,000,000 increase for testing capacity. Supporters said funding was needed now to begin addressing backlog and victim needs; critics insisted on clear accountability and reporting measures.
The vote: Senate Bill 105 passed on third reading with a recorded tally of 29 ayes, 2 no, 0 absent, and 4 excused. Senator Bridges moved for passage.
What happens next: Passage authorizes the supplemental appropriation; senators on the floor said they expect follow-up work from the Joint Budget Committee and agency leadership on implementation plans and oversight.
