Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado Sponsors Landmark Bill to Protect People in Prisons’s Right to Family Connection.

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Denver, CO – On the first day of Colorado’s Legislative Session, members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus of Colorado introduced their priority bill of the session, HB25-1013, sponsored by Representatives English and Assistant Majority Leader Bacon and Senate President Coleman. HB25-1013, the Right to Family and Community Connection bill, aims to protect the right of people in prison in Colorado to maintain connections with their families and loved ones.

“I’ve heard stories from families across our state. Parents driving hours to see their child, only to be turned away due to a harsh punishment. Children who light up when they hear their mom or dad’s voice on the phone, only to have that contact cut off due to minor infractions. These stories remind us of the resilience of families, but they also highlight a system that too often makes it harder for families to stay connected when they need each other the most. To my colleagues and our community, I say this: our justice system should be a tool for repair, not a weapon of division,” said Senate President James Coleman.

Members of the Caucus, along with community members, people who have left prison, and families with people who’ve been in prison, called for Colorado to adopt proven solutions that can decrease recidivism and improve mental health outcomes for those in prison and their families. HB25-1013 will ensure that families can maintain vital bonds and relationships that help people in prison have healthy lives.

Despite Colorado’s commitment to prioritizing rehabilitation, the Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) defines visitation as a “privilege.” While people in prison are already struggling to provide for their families, Gov. Polis and Executive Director Stancil of CDOC have allowed prisons to use the removal of community and family connection as a coercive tactic to force people in prison to work for subminimum wages.

“Imagine being confined in a facility far from your loved ones, cut off from the very people who provide you with strength, connection, and hope. It’s a reality for thousands of people in our prison system, and it takes a devastating toll on their journey to rehabilitation,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon.

The Right to Family and Community Connection bill will enshrine the right to in-person visits, video visits, and phone calls for people in DOC to better promote family contact and reduce recidivism. Studies have shown that experiencing prison visits with family and loved ones is connected to a reduction in recidivism, improved mental health, and stronger community bonds. On average, across security levels, experiencing prison visits is correlated with a 24.6% reduction in rearrests within 2 years of release. Receiving visits in prison results in a 26% decrease in post-release criminal activity as well as a 28% reduction in new convictions overall.

“This policy isn’t just about individual rehabilitation. It’s about keeping children connected to their parents, ensuring that families can heal and support one another, and creating a society where everyone has a chance to succeed,” said Representative Regina English.

“There are numerous reasons for the positive impact of visits and social contact. As individuals plan for their release, a higher frequency of visits can help reduce concerns over securing employment, finding housing, reducing debt, and other factors related to the risks of recidivism,” said Senator Tony Exum