Bill to Reduce Youth Recidivism, Prevent Crime Passes House

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DENVER, CO – The House passed a bill today on Third Reading and Final Passage that would improve public safety and prevent juvenile justice involvement. HB22-1003 passed by a vote of 41 to 22 and is part of the Colorado House Democrats’ first ten bills.

“When it comes to public safety, we need to invest in communities first,” said Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez D-Denver. “This bill will provide funding for support and intervention programs to prevent youth recidivism and build a safer Colorado for everyone. This is a modern approach to public safety that will help us build safer communities and prevent more youth from entering the juvenile justice system in the first place.”

“We’re taking a multi-layered approach to public safety and that includes making smart investments to reduce recidivism,” said Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, D-Arvada. “This bill invests in collaborative, community-based programs that give youth the support and services they need.  We’re meeting Colorado’s youth where they are, making investments to reduce crime and delinquency and moving Colorado forward.”

HB22-1003, sponsored by Representatives Lindsey Daugherty and Serena Gonzales-Gutierrez, would establish the Delinquency Prevention and Young Offender Intervention Pilot Grant Program. The program would award two-year grants to local governments, American Indian Tribes, school districts, charter schools and nonprofit organizations to fund projects that prevent crime among youth. Preference will be given to projects that demonstrate a community-based response involving collaboration with multiple agencies to reduce crime.