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DENVER (KDVR) — The state is holding onto millions of dollars in order to create additional civil commitment beds for individuals who have been deemed incompetent to stand trial, according to Colorado Governor Jared Polis.
In a media briefing on Friday, Polis announced that the state is holding between $8 to 12 million from the current fiscal year to secure the civil commitment beds.
The Friday announcement comes after community members and families have called for change in Colorado’s competency laws.
According to the 2024 law, when an individual is deemed incompetent to stand trial and unlikely to be restored, a Colorado court is required to dismiss and drop charges in the case. The individual deemed incompetent can then be directed to an outpatient facility by a court of law.
However, some families and community members previously told FOX31 that the current laws are letting violent suspects walk free due to shortages of civil commitment beds within the state. In addition, families and lawmakers across the state had also called for a special session to address the current competency laws.
“This cannot wait until July first of next year,” said Polis on Friday.
Polis said the holding of funds will also be used to work with law enforcement and legislators on the current policy, which will be brought forward in January or possibly sooner.
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Anthony Sutton is a business strategist and writer with a passion for management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With years of experience in the corporate world, he shares insights on business growth, strategy, and innovation through management-opleiding.org.
