Last-Minute Senate Budget Deal May Not Withstand House Scrutiny
"But now it’s the House’s turn to take up the budget bill, and several Democrats, who hold the majority in that chamber, are skeptical of the late compromise." “When I heard of the deal that was struck, my question was, ‘where is the money coming from?’” said Democratic Rep. Leslie Herod of Denver, the chair of the House Finance Committee. “Putting it back on the governor’s office to find the funding... is not the way the process works. It’s very important that we understand
A Colorado bill would eliminate felony charges for all personal drug possession, reduce jail time fo
"The bill, introduced Friday, is part of a much-needed solution to Colorado’s crowded prisons and corrections spending, said sponsor Rep. Leslie Herod, a Denver Democrat. Two Republicans and the Democratic chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee also sponsor the bill." “It’s time to take away this whole notion that we have to incarcerate to provide treatment,” Herod said." "The bill would not change the punishments for those charged with other drug crimes — such as possess
Viral speech details how women have to barter for tampons in Colorado jails because period products
"A Colorado state representative has garnered viral attention online for a speech about the need for period products in jails as the lawmakers appear poised to increase the number of free tampons and pads available to inmates." "Rep. Leslie Herod, a Denver Democrat, grabbed the attention of viral video site “Now This” last week. The accompanying video had been viewed about 150,000 times as of Monday morning." “Yes, a lot of people don’t want to talk about it,” Herod said in t
Bill aims to close 'loophole' in law involving sexual assault while in custody or detained
"DENVER — There are laws in Colorado to prevent police officers from taking advantage of their authority, but the law that helps prevent sexual assault says a victim can't consent if they are "detained in a jail, prison, or hospital," and Representative Leslie Herod (D-Denver) said this should be expanded." "However, the time period before you get to behind bars, says a pedestrian stop or a traffic stop is not covered in current law," Rep. Herod said." "HB19-1250, which passe
Gov. Polis signs bill adding new judges statewide
"The bill, partially introduced by Rep. Matt Soper, R-Delta, prevents judges from imposing cash bonds on defendants for minor traffic or petty offenses, thus keeping them out of overcrowded jails because of an inability to pay." "Every night, thousands of Coloradans awaiting trial for minor offenses languish in jail simply because they can't afford to get out," said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, who introduced the bill with Soper. "We are caging the poor and the homeless, not
Colorado bill would eliminate cash bail for minor offenses
"Sponsors of the bill, including Rep. Leslie Herod (D-Denver) and Rep. Matt Soper (R-Delta), argue thousands of Coloradans await trial in jail for minor offenses simply because they can't afford bail - essentially punishing people for being in poverty." “Every night, thousands of Coloradans awaiting trial for minor offenses languish in jail simply because they can't afford to get out," Rep. Herod said. "We are caging the poor and the homeless, not for their crimes, but for th
Colorado House approves bill to provide tampons, pads to women in jail
“Women’s bodies are different,” said Rep. Leslie Herod, D-Denver, who sponsored the bill. “We need to ensure that we are treating all women, especially those that are in custody, with the respect and dignity that they deserve.” "Two years ago, legislators approved funds in the Department of Corrections budget to give women tampons in state prisons, but it took an activist spending time in a county jail to get this new bill on the table." "In February, anti-jail activist Elisa
Criminal justice reform bill would eliminate cash bail for petty offenses
"House Bill 1225 eliminates the option for judges to impose cash bonds for criminal defendants accused of crimes below that of a misdemeanor. It would also apply to traffic violations as long as no one was killed or injured, and the defendant was not suspected of eluding a police officer or tampering with an interlock device." “Criminal justice is an issue that is not partisan, justice is not partisan,” said bill co-sponsor Rep. Leslie Herod, (D) Denver. “We are able to work
House unanimously approves bill providing free tampons to jail inmates in Colorado
"A bill sponsored by state Rep. Leslie Herod of Denver mandating all local jails provide menstrual hygiene products on Wednesday received unanimous support in the House and now heads to the Senate for further consideration." "A release from Colorado House Democrats on Wednesday said the House approved HB19-1224 by a 65-0 vote. Herod’s efforts are linked in part to advocate Elisabeth Epps, who told Denverite last month she wasn’t able to get tampons when she needed them after
Colorado’s prisons offer free tampons to female inmates. The state’s jails might soon be required to
“The most concerning piece about not having tampons and other menstruation products provided in confinement are manyfold,” said state Rep. Leslie Herod, a Denver Democrat who is leading the push for the measure. “… Women (in prison) were actually having to barter with tampons because they became a commodity. In corrections, if you restrict the use of something — or access to something — it tends to have a monetary value almost.” "Herod said she found that the need was so grea
