Colorado legislature sends far-reaching police accountability bill to Gov. Jared Polis
“Today, members, we will be able to intervene and do something about what’s happening in our communities — all of our communities — and has happened for far too long,” Rep. Leslie Herod, a Denver Democrat and one of the prime sponsors of the bill, said Friday as the measure cleared the House. “Black lives matter.” Read Full Article
Colorado bill barring panic as a defense for attacking gay, trans people headed to Polis
"Gay and transgender people, particularly transgender women of color, have been targets of violent crimes and their murders have been excused," Herod said in a statement Friday. "We need to do everything in our power to end these vicious attacks. Banning the gay and trans panic defense sends a message that hatred and bigotry are grounds for further punishment, not excuses for violent crimes.” Read Full Article
Gov. Jared Polis Plans To Sign Police Accountability Bill
Overseeing the vote in the state House on Friday were family and friends of Bailey and Elijah McClain who died after an encounter with Aurora Police in 2019. “The law has changed because of him. It was because of Elijah McClain and De’Von Bailey that I had legislation ready to go,” Herod said. “There’s not much I can do to bring him back or to change the outcome of his case. But what I can do is change it for people moving forward. And if it does that, our law enforcement off
Colorado’s historic police reform bill one step away from being signed into law
"I am feeling incredibly proud and grateful that this legislative body has stood up and listened to the protesters and listened to the families and said, ‘we’re going to do something about this injustice in our society and we’re going to start today,'” said Rep. Leslie Herod, a Denver Democrat, said after the vote. Read Full Story
Incendiary comments flare during police accountability bill debate
“As a black person, I worry and wonder what would happen if I was shot and killed by law enforcement — and even as an elected official, what photo they would use to paint me as a criminal or a thug. And what parts of my history would they drag through the mud to justify an unjust killing that happens every time a black person dies at the hands of law enforcement?” Looking directly at the Republican members, she dared them to come up with ideas to advance justice. “Do somethin
Protests were the catalyst to get policing bill from idea to reality
"While law enforcement knew that Herod was interested in legislation, “I didn’t have the ability to move it forward until the community outcry." By the time COVID-19 had forced a hiatus in mid-March, there was still no official bill. That changed the night of May 28, the first evening of protests at the state Capitol over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. “That was the night I decided that I was going to push the bill forward,” she said." Read Full Article
Colorado Police Reform Bill Vote Expected Friday
“This is not a new issue,” said Rep. Leslie Herod. “It’s time for us to act, with the protesters outside these very doors demanding accountability,” she said, adding that it was “beautiful” that state Senate Democrats and Republicans alike had voted for the bill. Read Full Article
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COLORADO'S PROPOSED POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY BILL
“We are listening and hearing protesters outside every single day,” Representative Herod explained. “It would be irresponsible of us as elected officials to not listen and not take action. We need folks across Denver to call, show their support, re-tweet and re-share this bill.” Read Full Article
Colorado lawmakers introduce sweeping police reform bill
“Coloradans who have taken to our streets to protest injustice and declare that Black Lives Matter were sparked by an incident in Minnesota, but we’ve seen similar tragedies happen in our own state,” said Herod, a Denver Democrat. “We need to make changes here at the State Capitol and at statehouses across the country. We will take action to protect black lives, hold law enforcement accountable and ensure that police officers truly serve and protect all of us.” Read Full Arti
Black lawmakers in Colorado demand changes to end police brutality, systemic racism
"Herod added that she will continue to stand with protesters and invited them to continue demonstrating. "It's not my place to tell someone when it’s time to stop protesting," said Herod. "I think we need to demand accountability, I think we need to change policies and change culture, and until the community feels like that’s happened, come out. I'll stand with you." Read Full Article
