From Pain to Policy SB26-190 – Families to Speak Following Legislative Victory

Press releases are provided to Yellow Scene Magazine. In an effort to keep our community informed, we publish some press releases in whole.

MEDIA ADVISORY

Families, Community Leaders, and Legislators to Hold Press Conference Following Passage of Transparency Legislation Through the Colorado General Assembly

Denver, CO — Following the successful passage of landmark legislation (SB26-190) through both the Colorado Senate and House of Representatives, impacted families, community leaders, advocates, and legislators will gather for a press conference centered on the voices of the families whose lived experiences helped shape this work from the very beginning.

The legislation, focused on transparency, communication, and public trust in incidents involving police use of force resulting in death, was built through an extensive stakeholder process that brought together families, community organizations, legislators, legal advocates, law enforcement stakeholders, and policy experts. The bill now advances toward final procedural steps following House third reading.

This press conference will provide space for families to speak directly about:

• How lived experience helped shape the legislation;
• How meaningful it is when the community is included in policymaking processes;
• The collaborative stakeholder process that centered impacted voices in the development of the bill;
• And why community-informed policymaking creates stronger outcomes for families and communities across Colorado.

Legislators and stakeholders will stand alongside the families in recognition that this process was strongest when community voices were centered rather than sidelined.

Speakers will also reflect on the significance of a legislative process that included robust community engagement, difficult conversations across perspectives, and continued collaboration toward a shared goal of greater clarity, transparency, and trust.

The event will additionally serve as an opportunity to acknowledge and thank the many individuals and organizations who contributed time, expertise, perspective, and emotional labor throughout this process.

WHO:

• Impacted families
• Community advocates and stakeholders
• Legislative sponsors and supporters
• The Epitome of Black Excellence and Partnership
• Supporting organizations and coalition partners

WHAT:

Press Conference on the Passage of Transparency Legislation

WHEN:

05/13/2026, 12:30 PM

WHERE:

Colorado State Capitol – West Foyer

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

• Family testimony and remarks
• Legislator remarks
• Community stakeholder perspectives
• Interview availability following the event

“This legislation was not created in isolation. It was shaped by families willing to live their grief out loud in pursuit of something better for the people who come after them. This moment belongs to them.” ~ MiDian Shofner, CEO, Epitome of Black Excellence and Partnership

Members of the media are encouraged to attend.

Media contacts:

Direct: MiDian Shofner (303) 525-6461 / Office of Senate President, Senator James Coleman / Office of Assistant Majority Leader Representative Jennifer Bacon

###