Landmark legislation was catalyzed by survivors impacted by the La Plata County Jail case and spearheaded by the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault
DENVER, Colorado — Sexual violence survivors and advocates are celebrating the final passage of HB26-1123, Preventing Sexual Abuse in Jails by the Colorado General Assembly. The bill passed after months of robust advocacy led by the Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA) and survivors impacted by the high-profile case of a former La Plata County Jail commander, who has been charged with viewing recordings of more than 100 women’s strip searches for sexual gratification.
“What we’ve faced in La Plata County is unconscionable,” said Suzanne Garcia, one of the survivors. “It’s almost unbelievable that a law enforcement officer was able to repeatedly access, obtain, and download recordings of strip searches for personal use outside of the jail with no oversight or consequences. He was able to do it because there was no law that said he couldn’t.”
Former La Plata County Deputy Sheriff Raven Nyx advocated for HB26-1123 alongside survivors during this legislative session. “This bill offers the protections to survivors, whistleblowers, and the citizens of Colorado that are so desperately needed, now more than ever,” they said.
HB26-1123’s provisions were developed directly from survivors’ lived experiences and in collaboration with experts and communities impacted by sexual violence in jails. Specifically, this landmark legislation will limit strip searches and access to these intimate video recordings, establish new reporting requirements and whistleblower protections for jail staff, and ensure that people held in Colorado’s jails are informed about their rights to be protected from sexual violence and their ability to access community-based sexual assault advocacy services.
“While what happened was devastating, it is encouraging to see something good coming from this bill,” said Katrina Lile, another survivor from La Plata County. “This must serve as a lesson for all law enforcement that such behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
“HB26-1123’s passage honors what survivors and whistleblowers have called for since this case came to light: to prevent this from happening to anyone else,” said Elizabeth Newman, Director of Public Policy at CCASA. “No one deserves to face sexual violence, but people in jail are especially vulnerable to it. CCASA is grateful for the leadership of the bill’s sponsors, the support of our partners, and most of all, the voices of the survivors who are fighting for change.”
Alongside survivors, CCASA led the broad coalition of supporting organizations that championed HB26-1123, including Durango Sexual Assault Services Organization (SASO), the Sexual Violence Prevention Association (SVPA), and the Women’s Foundation of Colorado. The bill was sponsored by Representative Katie Stewart, who represents La Plata County in the Colorado House, as well as Representative Javier Mabrey, Senator Mike Weissman, and Senator Judy Amabile.
“In La Plata County, trust in law enforcement has been impacted by this case, underscoring the need for greater accountability,” said Laura Latimer, Executive Director of SASO, the Durango-based nonprofit that continues to provide support services for the La Plata County Jail survivors. “We hope the added protections in HB26-1123 will help restore community confidence and reinforce the integrity of our justice system.”
“Former Commander Aber’s egregious abuse was not an outlier,” said Omny Miranda Martone, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SVPA. “It was the result of a system of outdated policies, dangerous practices, and ineffective protections. Colorado will not be safe until the system changes. We are now one step closer to passing a law requiring updated policies, safety practices, and effective protections.”
“What happened in Durango was a very serious abuse of power, and no one should ever be put in that situation again,” said Representative Stewart. “It has been an enormous privilege to work with the survivors from La Plata County, whose bravery and advocacy has driven this process.”
HB26-1123 now heads to Governor Polis for his signature.
Outlets interested in interviewing survivors and advocates about HB26-1123 may contact CCASA Director of Public Relations, Lauren Roberts, at communications@ccasa.org.
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The Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA) is the leading voice for sexual violence survivors and the professionals who serve them in Colorado. Started by Colorado’s rape crisis centers in 1984, CCASA changes laws, improves institutional prevention and response, and gives survivors more empowered options for justice and healing. Ultimately, CCASA’s advocacy alongside its more than 100 members prevents harm, promotes healing, and keeps survivors’ lived experiences at the center. Learn more at www.ccasa.org.