COLORADO — A bill that some say could change policing in Colorado has passed the state senate, and several law enforcement agencies in El Paso County have come forward in opposition. Senate Bill 21-273 is sponsored by democratic senator Pete Lee. The measure would limit cash bonds for low-level offenses, and instead of making arrests for crimes like drug offenses, a summons would be issued. Lee says the bill is about giving people the chance to bond out and continue to work. Meanwhile, a letter signed by multiple police chiefs, the 4th judicial district attorney, and Mayor John Suthers expressed concerns over how the legislation would affect public safety. They say the message the bill sends to criminals is that accountability is optional.
