WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 1423

Community Corrections Budget Request & Data Information

2026 Regular Session

HB 1423 requires DPS to include a detailed, district-by-district community corrections budget request with projected need, capacity, per-diems, and SMART Act reporting.

Governor Signed
#crimes #corrections #&enforcement
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1423

Summary of HB 1423 (2026A) – Colorado: Community Corrections Budget Request & Data Information

Purpose and intent

HB 1423 requires the Colorado Department of Public Safety (DPS) to incorporate a dedicated Community Corrections budget request into its annual budget process. The bill aims to improve planning, transparency, and alignment between projected community corrections needs, program capacity, and state funding, with a focus on per-diem reimbursement rates, bed capacity, and district-level funding allocations. It also mandates additional information to be presented during the Joint Budget Committee (JBC) “SMART Act” hearing.

Key provisions and changes

Definitions (17-27-102)

The bill adds new defined terms to clarify reporting and planning concepts:
- Distribution of Offender Populations: Total offenders in Colorado and those approved for placement in community corrections, by judicial district.
- Program Availability: Number of available community corrections beds and programs’ financial viability given the state’s reimbursement rate and other funding sources.
- Projected Need: DPS/Division of Criminal Justice’s best estimate of future offender distribution by judicial district and placement type, based on multiple inputs:
- Correctional population projections (section 24-33.5-503(1)(m))
- Expected referrals eligible for community corrections
- Inmates under DOC supervision and referrals from courts expected to be accepted into community corrections
- Anticipated changes in program capacity and availability

Budget request requirements (17-27-108(8))

DPS must include a comprehensive budget request for community corrections in its annual budget submission to the JBC, with the following components:

  1. Projected Need for the next fiscal year (including changes from current levels) for all placement types.
  2. Summary of factors driving projected need.
  3. Explanation of how requested appropriations relate to projected need, including any identified differences between:
    • Distribution of offender populations
    • Program availability
    • Projected need across judicial districts
  4. Planned or requested changes in per diem reimbursement rates relative to the current fiscal year.

  5. Projected allocation of the requested appropriations for community corrections replacements by judicial district, including:

    • Expected number of standard residential beds and the per diem rate by bed type and program (funded from the General Fund)
    • Expected number of nonresidential slots and per diem rate (General Fund)
    • Any fixed payments for programs that are independent of offender numbers (General Fund)
    • Expected number of specialized beds by type and per diem rate (General Fund)
    • Expected number of specialized beds by type and per diem rate (non-General Fund sources, including the Correctional Treatment Cash Fund under §18-19-103)
    • Projected allocation of funds for Community Corrections Boards
    • Any other projected allocations not covered above

  6. Beginning January 2027 and each January thereafter, DPS must present during the SMART Act hearing information on differences between:

    • Current distribution of offender populations and program availability
    • Projected need

Departments and timelines

  • The bill applies to the Department of Public Safety and its Division of Criminal Justice within DPS.
  • It requires annual reporting aligned with the JBC’s SMART Act process, starting with January 2027 updates.

Who is affected

  • Primary: Colorado Department of Public Safety, Division of Criminal Justice, and the community corrections system (including community corrections boards, facilities that operate residential and nonresidential programs, and programs funded from General Fund and non-General Fund sources).
  • Secondary: Judicial districts that receive disbursements and allocations for community corrections beds and services; policymakers and budget-decision makers (JBC) who rely on the new data to set appropriations.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The bill emphasizes enhanced transparency and data-driven budgeting through:
    • Detailed budget justifications and projections in DPS’s annual budget request (to the JBC).
    • Inclusion of a comprehensive breakdown by judicial district and placement type.
    • Start of annual SMART Act updates in January 2027 and each January thereafter to reflect differences between current and projected needs.
  • A safety clause is included, making the act effective upon enactment for purposes of public safety and appropriations.

Potential impact

  • Improves accuracy and visibility of community corrections funding needs.
  • Enables more targeted allocation of funds across districts and bed types.
  • Encourages consistent use of data (projections, per diem rates, capacity, and program availability) in budget decisions.
  • Could influence per diem rate adjustments and future capacity planning in the community corrections system.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.