Committee defers on police use-of-force release bill until rewrite is available

The Aurora City Pfizer Committee was briefed May 7 on Senate Bill 26190, legislation that would change how video and other information about peace officer use-of-force incidents is released. Liz, the committee’s staff analyst, told members the bill had undergone a strike-and-rewrite that replaced earlier language and conflicted with an existing statute (Senate Bill 217), and she advised against taking a position until staff can review the new text.

"I don't feel like it would be entirely appropriate for me to recommend a position at this time," Liz said, explaining a second rewrite was expected "either end of today or tomorrow morning." She proposed that staff distribute an emergency position and a revised analysis by email once the new language is received.

Committee members agreed to wait for the rewritten text. Councilmember Wiles asked that when staff circulates the emergency memo it include a clear summary of the specific changes rather than only attaching the bill. Vice Chair Jackson asked for a procedural timeline and clarification about how the committee’s emergency action would be handled by the full council; staff said the committee is authorized under council rules to take a position on behalf of the city and the full council could later affirm or override that position.

The briefing emphasized uncertainty about the bill’s final scope because multiple stakeholder groups (including the Colorado Municipal League and district attorneys) had proposed amendments. Liz said staff would provide both the rewritten text and a short, itemized explanation of differences to help councilmembers evaluate whether to support the city’s position.

The committee took no formal vote and will await staff’s emergency communication and recommended position before any advocacy or council-level action.