Committee advances bill to set timelines for parole reviews of youthful offenders

The House Judiciary Committee voted to advance Senate Bill 158, a bill to create clearer timelines and programmatic requirements for early parole reviews of people convicted as young adults, sending the measure to the committee of the whole by a roughly 9–2 margin.

Sponsors said the bill formalizes the JCAP (juvenile and young adult specialized) pathway and adds a statutory process so applicants who complete the program do not remain in administrative limbo while awaiting a governor’s decision. "This bill creates a streamlined process, timeline, and review board," Rep. Herb Carter said in opening remarks. The bill requires the State Board of Parole to issue a recommendation within 90 days of an application and gives the governor 60 days to accept or reject that recommendation; if the governor takes no action within 60 days, the board’s recommendation becomes final.

Supporters described the program as narrowly targeted and rigorous. "The JCAP program requires substantial time and programming — participants must serve long terms and complete years of in‑custody programming before consideration," said Rep. Rob Espinosa, a co‑prime sponsor. Maureen Kane, who testified in support, said she has worked with participants and that 17 people released under the program have not returned to prison; she urged members to back the bill so others who complete the program can receive a timely decision.

Opponents in the public comment period urged caution. Missy Espinosa, testifying in opposition, said she feared the measure could lead to early release of violent offenders and asked the committee to prioritize victim safety.

Colorado Department of Corrections representative Aaron Greco told the panel the bill does not alter in‑facility programming but addresses post‑program decision delays. "Right now, applicants, victims and other stakeholders don't have a clear sense of when a final decision will be made," he said, and described the measure as improving predictability.

The committee recorded a favorable recommendation and formally moved SB158 to the committee of the whole. The next procedural step is committee floor consideration before further action by the full House or Senate.