Senators Liston and Snyder introduce SB 189 to align Colorado laws with Supreme Court ruling

Colorado lawmakers are taking significant steps to align state law with recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings regarding habitual offenders. During the Senate Judiciary Committee meeting on March 17, 2025, Senator Liston, alongside Senator Snyder, introduced Senate Bill 189, which aims to ensure that the determination of whether a defendant is a habitual offender is made by a jury rather than a trial judge.

This legislative move comes in response to a 2024 Supreme Court decision that emphasized the necessity of jury findings in cases involving prior offenses. The ruling highlighted that defendants are entitled to constitutional protections, which include having a jury decide on the facts surrounding their previous convictions. Currently, Colorado law allows judges to make these determinations, a practice that contradicts the recent Supreme Court ruling and potentially undermines defendants' rights.

Senator Liston stressed the importance of this bill, stating that it is a straightforward adjustment needed to comply with established case law. He noted that failing to pass this legislation could lead to unnecessary legal challenges and costs for the state, as habitual offender rulings could be overturned due to constitutional violations.

The committee's discussion also included the potential implications of this bill on the judicial process, with expert witnesses available to address technical questions. The proposed changes are expected to enhance the fairness of the trial process for those accused of crimes, ensuring that all defendants receive the protections guaranteed by the Constitution.

As the committee considers Senate Bill 189, the focus remains on safeguarding the rights of individuals within the legal system and maintaining the integrity of Colorado's judicial processes.