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Senate adopts tougher sentencing provisions for commercial sexual activity involving children
Summary
Senate Bill 15, debating sentencing and probation conditions for commercial sexual activity with a child, was adopted after sponsors said the bill narrows a spousal exception and adds incentives for judges to use DOC sentences or require county jail time as a probation condition when appropriate.
The Colorado Senate adopted Senate Bill 15 on April 17, a measure sponsors described as tightening penalties and closing gaps in state law for offenses involving commercial sexual activity with a child.
Sen. Roberts, the bill’s sponsor, told the chamber the bill was designed to ensure punishments fit offenses that victimize children and to reduce the instances where judges impose probation rather than prison. He described an amendment requiring that if a judge imposes probation rather than a Department of Corrections (DOC) sentence in certain solicitation cases, the probation must include at least 364 days in county jail — a mechanism similar to existing law for repeat felony DUI.
Sen. Roberts cited data presented in committee showing 51 convictions for the most‑frequent offense between 2022 and 2025, and said only 13 of those convictions resulted in DOC sentences, leaving many sentenced to probation. “This is a bill driven by victims, driven by law enforcement, driven by district attorneys of both parties,” he said on the floor, urging the Senate to send the bill to the House.
Sen. Pelton and other supporters urged passage as a means to address demand and protect children; senators noted stakeholder engagement including law enforcement, district attorneys and victims’ advocates. After floor debate and committee reports, the Senate adopted SB15 on final passage.
The bill’s sponsors and supporters said the measure does not fix the problem alone but is a step toward ensuring penalties reflect the severity of these crimes. The Senate moved SB15 forward to the next stage of the legislative process.
