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Key Civil Rights Bill Advances in Colorado

BILL PROPONENTS | Senator Julie González during the presentation of bill SB25-276 alongside Senator Mike Weissman and Representatives Elizabeth Velasco and Lorena García. (Photo/El Comercio de Colorado)

SB25-276 MOVES TO FINAL VOTE IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

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The SB25-276 bill took a decisive step forward this week in its legislative journey. After passing the Colorado Senate, the proposal advanced on Monday, April 28, with the support of the House Judiciary Committee. Then, on Wednesday, April 30, it cleared another major hurdle: the House Appropriations Committee also voted in favor.

With these approvals, the bill now heads to the House floor for final readings. The discussion is scheduled for Friday, May 2, which sets the stage for an intense legislative weekend to ensure the bill reaches Governor Jared Polis’s desk before the legislative session ends. So far, it is unclear whether the governor has any objections to the bill, but it is expected he will sign it into law.

This legislation, promoted by Senators Julie Gonzales and Mike Weissman along with Representatives Elizabeth Velasco and Lorena García, aims to strengthen constitutional protections for all Colorado residents, including immigrants. “Colorado is stronger when everyone can live and contribute without fear,” said Velasco. García added that immigration surveillance is causing fear among families, even among U.S. citizens.

What the Bill Proposes

Senator Julie Gonzales emphasized: “We don’t control what ICE does, but we do get to decide what we do here in Colorado. This law aims to ensure that state and local governments are not complicit in policies that violate due process or create unnecessary fear in our communities.”

SB25-276 prohibits public employees from sharing personal data related to immigration status with federal authorities, and eliminates the requirement for sworn affidavits when applying for a driver’s license or in-state tuition. It also reaffirms that holding someone in jail after they’ve posted bail without a judicial warrant is unconstitutional.

The bill further mandates that schools, hospitals, and childcare centers create clear protocols for immigration enforcement operations. It also allows people with certain minor convictions to petition for their guilty pleas to be vacated if they were not informed of immigration consequences at the time.

Support and Opposition

The proposal has not been without controversy. John Fabbricatore, former ICE director in Colorado, warned that this bill would turn the state into a “sanctuary” that protects immigrants with criminal records. “Do we have to wait until a U.S. citizen is killed before we act?” he asked.

Key Civil Rights Bill Advances in Colorado

Supporters counter that laws like SB25-276 help foster safer communities. “When people trust their institutions, they are more likely to report crimes and seek medical help,” said Gladys Ibarra, director of the Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition. Professor Whitney Duncan echoed that view: “The fear of sharing personal information with ICE prevents many people — even U.S. citizens — from seeking medical or educational services.” Duncan added that this bill “is a concrete way for Colorado to show it values all its residents.”