(1) The general assembly finds and declares that:
Ensuring public safety and respecting the rights of victims are paramount concerns ofthe citizens of Colorado;
Improving the effective administration of justice involves a comprehensive examination of, and recommendations regarding, the criminal and juvenile justice systems;
Current commitments to the department of corrections require expending a
significant percentage of the state budget for incarceration of offenders;
The number of offenders projected to be sentenced in the future will require that aneven greater percentage of the state budget be dedicated to incarceration;
The rate of recidivism is high, resulting in the return of many offenders to the justicesystem with additional significant expense;
It is in the interest of the people of the state of Colorado to maintain public safetythrough the most cost-effective use of limited criminal justice resources;
Many factors may contribute to an offender's criminal behavior, including but notlimited to substance abuse and substance use disorders, behavioral or mental health disorders, poverty, child abuse, domestic violence, and educational deficiencies. Factors contributing to criminal conduct and re-victimization are frequently not addressed adequately within the justice system.
Appropriate intervention in a child's life through the juvenile justice system or prevention programs may limit or prevent future criminal conduct;
It is in the best interest of the public to engage in a comprehensive, evidence-basedanalysis of the circumstances and characteristics of the offenders being sentenced to the department of corrections, the alternatives to incarceration, the effectiveness of prevention programs, and the effectiveness of the criminal code and sentencing laws in securing public safety.
(2) Therefore, the general assembly declares that a commission comprised of experts in criminal justice, corrections, mental and behavioral health, drug abuse, victims' rights, higher education, juvenile justice, local government, and other pertinent disciplines shall be formed to engage in an evidence-based analysis of the criminal justice system in Colorado and annually report to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, and the chief justice of the Colorado supreme court.
Source: L. 2007: Entire article added, p. 1100, § 1, effective May 23. L. 2017: (1)(g) and (2) amended, (SB 17-242), ch. 263, p. 1298, § 122, effective May 25.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration in SB 17-242, see section 1 of chapter 263, Session Laws of Colorado 2017.