by Sheriff Shannon K. Byerly

HB19-1263 (Offense Level For Controlled Substance Possession) is irresponsible legislation being pushed by the Colorado Assembly as an attempt to reduce inmate populations in the Colorado Department of Corrections (DOC) by reducing the seriousness of illegal drug possession. The assembly believes they can shift fiscal responsibility to local jurisdictions, AKA county jails, by making illegal possession of scheduled drugs a misdemeanor crime instead of a felony. It is extremely concerning when we begin to dissect what this really means for society and local communities. Continue reading The Problem with HB 19-1263 →