Senate advances bill to let tribal healing ceremonies qualify for victim-compensation reimbursement

Senate Bill 12, which would allow traditional Native American healing practices to be eligible for reimbursement under the Colorado Crime Victim Compensation Act, was advanced unanimously from Judiciary to the Committee of the Whole and placed on the consent calendar.

Sponsor Senator Danielson told the committee the bill recognizes cultural, religious and spiritual healing practices essential to Native communities and would make those practices eligible expenses under the state victims-compensation framework. "For native communities, healing is rooted in tradition and ceremony," the sponsor said, urging colleagues to support the bill so survivors can seek culturally appropriate care.

A broad coalition of tribal advocates, victim-service organizations and veterans’ groups testified in support. Monica Snowbird (Hasea Advocate Program) and Shauna Jackson (Sweetgrass Advocacy) explained that current rules require a licensed clinician for compensation of ceremonies, a requirement that excludes elders and cultural practitioners who lead traditional healing. "This requirement creates a significant and equitable barrier for enrolled members of federally recognized tribes," Jackson said, and noted Arizona, New Mexico and Oklahoma allow culturally based healing practices to qualify under their compensation programs.

Multiple witnesses emphasized the bill does not expand per-victim caps or add a new funding pool; it simply makes traditional practices eligible under the existing framework and approval processes. Z Williams (Bread and Roses Legal Center) described the compensation application process—panels review receipts and documentation and local boards can set standards—and said the change would reduce barriers for survivors reluctant to engage traditional systems. Courtney Sutton (Colorado Organization for Victim Assistance) and Elizabeth Newman (Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault) also voiced support, noting disproportionate rates of violent crime and trauma in Native communities and the need for culturally responsive recovery options.

The committee voted 7–0 to send SB12 to the Committee of the Whole, and the vice chair recommended placing the bill on the consent calendar; the committee agreed.

What happens next: SB12 moves to the Committee of the Whole and is scheduled on the consent calendar for further consideration.