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SB 115

Post-Conviction Relief for Certain Offenders

2026 Regular Session

SB 115 creates a post-conviction relief process in Colorado allowing certain offenders to petition for sentence modification or conviction review based on new evidence or legal changes.

Governor Signed
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Bill Summary · SB 115

Legislative bill overview

SB 115 establishes a post-conviction relief mechanism allowing certain offenders to petition for sentence modification or conviction review based on specified criteria. The bill creates a structured process for examining cases where new evidence, legal developments, or sentencing reforms may justify reconsideration of convictions or sentences previously deemed final.

Why is this important

Post-conviction relief procedures affect criminal justice finality and fairness by providing pathways for correcting potential errors or inequities after initial appeals are exhausted. This has direct implications for incarcerated individuals, correctional systems' caseloads, and public safety considerations regarding who remains or is released from custody.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of eligible offenders: Disputes likely over which crimes and offender categories qualify, with victims' rights advocates potentially opposing relief for serious or violent offenses while criminal justice reformers push for broader access
  • Burden on courts and finality: Questions about workload impacts on judicial systems and whether repeated post-conviction petitions undermine the principle of final judgments and closure for victims
  • Evidentiary standards: Disagreement over what constitutes "new evidence" or changed circumstances sufficient to warrant relief, balancing innocence protection against preventing frivolous claims

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

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