The Colorado State Legislature's House Appropriations Committee convened on February 11, 2025, to address critical funding issues surrounding the backlog of sexual assault evidence kits. The meeting highlighted the urgent need for resources to tackle the staggering 1,407 kits awaiting analysis, with survivors currently facing an average wait time of 529 days.

Elizabeth Newman, Public Policy Director for the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA), emphasized the dire situation, stating, "This wait not only pauses the investigation but also the healing for survivors who are left in limbo." She urged the committee to pass Senate Bill 105, which aims to allocate necessary funds to the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to expedite the processing of these kits.

Joe Malekka, Legislative Director for the Department of Public Safety, echoed the urgency, explaining that the CBI is at risk of losing access to a lab capable of processing a significant number of kits if funding is not secured promptly. "Our fear is that we don't have the resources to move this backlog at the pace we need to," he warned.

The committee discussed an amendment that would strip the roll-forward authority for the funding, which would limit the CBI's ability to utilize unspent funds beyond the current fiscal year. This decision raised concerns among legislators about the potential impact on survivors awaiting justice. Representative Bottoms questioned the necessity of the amendment, highlighting the need for immediate action to address the backlog.

Despite some opposition, the committee ultimately passed the amendment, allowing for further discussions on implementing guardrails to ensure accountability in the use of funds. The committee's commitment to addressing the backlog remains strong, with plans to collaborate on future legislation to enhance oversight.

As the meeting concluded, the urgency of the situation was clear: without immediate action and proper funding, the backlog of sexual assault kits will continue to hinder justice for survivors across Colorado. The committee's next steps will be crucial in determining how effectively these funds can be utilized to bring relief to those affected.