Governor Jared Polis signed SB26-149 into law on Thursday, which ensures dangerous individuals are not released back into public without support and secure placement when they are deemed incompetent to stand trial. The law attempts to override some of the harms that were caused by the passage of HB24-1034 in June 2024 that imposed timelines for inmates who were deemed incompetent to stand trial.
Weld County District Attorney Michael Rourke told The Longmont Leader in November that there were nine adult cases that were dismissed since HB24-1034 on the basis that the individuals were incompetent to stand trial. In September, Weld County Sheriff Steve Reams issued a warning to the community after 21-year-old Debisa Ephraim was released due to HB24-1034 despite the danger he posed. Ephraim was arrested on suspicion of criminal attempt to commit second-degree murder, first-degree assault, and engaging in a riot.
Reams criticized Governor Polis for the passage of HB24-1034 at the time of Ephraim’s release. “The state legislature and the Governor have continued to weaken the criminal justice system by handcuffing law enforcement, prosecutors and judges for the sake of criminals,” Sheriff Reams wrote. “Colorado HB24-1034 has created a crisis where very dangerous individuals are being released to the street to reoffend over and over, this is the latest example. I pray this individual doesn’t hurt another innocent victim but the public deserves to know of his past violent actions so they can protect themselves accordingly.”…