Posted inNews, Politics and Government

Colorado lawmakers are rethinking a 2019 law that made possessing thousands of lethal fentanyl doses a misdemeanor

Colorado Gov. Jared Polis and state lawmakers are rethinking a 2019 law that made possession of thousands of lethal doses of fentanyl a misdemeanor as overdoses from the potent opioid continue to rise.  The law is getting even more attention after five adults died from a suspected fentanyl overdose Sunday in Commerce City. Last year, […]

Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns

Opinion: Legislation to reduce Colorado’s jail populations makes sense for safety and social justice

This past summer’s worldwide protests against police brutality and calls to defund the police greatly increased discussions and renewed awareness of widespread structural and institutional racism that is normalized in America.  The racial justice movement in America was clearly alive and well. It finally seemed possible to many that we could make substantial changes to […]

Posted inCrime and Courts, Health, News, Politics and Government

Colorado prisons have strict limits on when they can place inmates in solitary confinement. Jails could be next.

Ryan Partridge had a number of run-ins with the Boulder County Sheriff’s Department in 2016. At the time, he suffered from paranoia, delusions and psychosis, and was in and out of jail for minor charges.  While in jail, Ryan Partridge was often placed in a restraint chair or kept in solitary confinement for several days […]

Posted inOpinion, Opinion Columns

Rep. Amabile: Solitary confinement is tantamount to torture. Our bill would restrict it in Colorado’s jails.

This past year has been one of loneliness and isolation for many. We have been denied the company of family and friends. The things that bring us joy and help us mark the time have been taken away. Social distancing and quarantine have taken a toll on our collective mental health.  However, as we’re isolated […]