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Committee advances bill extending window for post‑conviction collateral attacks
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Summary
House Bill 2,595, which would extend the time to file post‑conviction collateral attacks from one year to three and authorize Office of Public Defense representation for indigent petitioners, was reported out with an 8‑5 roll call after competing remarks on access to justice and judicial strain.
The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee reported House Bill 2,595 out of committee with a "do pass" recommendation following debate over access to justice and potential burdens on the court system.
Committee staff said HB 2,595 would extend the time limit to bring a collateral attack from one year to three, and authorize the Office of Public Defense to provide direct representation to indigent adult and juvenile offenders who have a statutory right to counsel to prosecute or respond to timely collateral attacks.
Representative Peterson framed the bill as an access‑to‑justice measure, saying a one‑year time bar is "patently unfair" for many incarcerated people and that extending the deadline gives those convicted more opportunity to identify possible errors. "This is fundamental to our country and fundamental to the state," Peterson said.
Representative Veil expressed concern about the expansion, noting prosecutors had warned during testimony that a longer window could create an "enormous strain on the judicial process"; Veil asked members to consider that balance and requested a no vote. The committee completed a roll‑call and staff announced 8 ayes, 5 nays. HB 2,595 was reported out with a due‑pass recommendation.
Next steps: the bill will advance to the next stage of consideration by the full chamber.
