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SB 190

Release Information About Peace Officer Use of Force

2026 Regular Session

SB 190 requires timely public disclosure of use-of-force incidents by law enforcement, including key details and basic findings, with privacy exemptions.

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Bill Summary · SB 190

Summary of SB 190 (2026A) — Colorado: Release Information About Peace Officer Use of Force

Purpose and Intent

SB 190 seeks to establish public accessibility and standardization of information related to peace officer use of force. The bill aims to ensure transparency by requiring timely release of specific details surrounding incidents where law enforcement officers use force, thereby informing the public, enhancing accountability, and supporting oversight.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Public Release of Information: Requires certain information about use-of-force incidents to be released to the public. The bill outlines what categories of information must be disclosed and the timeline for disclosure.

  • Content of Disclosures: Typical elements likely addressed (subject to exact statutory language) include:

    • Date, time, and location of the incident
    • Identities of involved officers and officers’ status (e.g., on duty)
    • Summary of the incident and sequence of events
    • Nature of the force used and the manner in which force was applied
    • Whether injuries occurred and the condition of individuals involved
    • Whether a weapon was drawn or discharged
    • Any follow-up investigations or findings by internal affairs or oversight bodies
    • Disclosures of any administrative actions or findings related to the incident

  • Timeframe for Disclosure: The bill specifies a reporting timeline (e.g., within a set number of days from the incident or from the completion of investigative steps). The exact timeframe would be defined in the statute.

  • Exemptions and Privacy Considerations: Likely includes limitations or exemptions to protect privacy and safety concerns (e.g., identities of minors, victims, or witnesses; ongoing investigations; information that could jeopardize safety or undermine investigations). The exact exemptions would be enumerated in the statute.

  • Oversight and Compliance: May designate a state or local agency responsible for compilation and release of information, and outline procedures for ensuring accuracy and handling public records requests.

  • Audit and Reporting Requirements: Potentially requires periodic reporting on compliance, the number of disclosures made, and any systematic gaps or delays.

  • Relation to Existing Policy: The bill may interact with or complement existing Colorado use-of-force reporting statutes, public records laws, and oversight mechanisms (e.g., civilian review boards or state oversight offices).

Who Would Be Affected

  • Law Enforcement Agencies: Responsible for compiling, reviewing, and releasing use-of-force information according to the bill’s requirements.
  • Public Records and Oversight Bodies: Entities tasked with disseminating information to the public and auditing compliance.
  • Community Members and Journalists: Granted access to more standardized and timely information about use-of-force incidents.
  • Individuals Involved in Incidents: Information released would include details about the incident, subject to privacy and safety exemptions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Assignment: As of 2026-05-04, SB 190 was introduced in the Colorado Senate and assigned to the State, Veterans, and Military Affairs Committee.
  • Next Steps: The bill will undergo committee hearings, potential amendments, and floor votes in the Senate and then the House (if passed by the Senate), followed by any reconciliation and final passage steps. Specific deadlines, hearing dates, and vote schedules will be set by the legislature as the bill advances.

Notes

  • The summary reflects common elements of transparency-focused use-of-force disclosure legislation. For precise language, thresholds, exemptions, and timelines, the bill’s text as filed and any amended versions should be consulted.
  • This summary does not express a position on the bill and solely describes its substantive provisions and potential impact.

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

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