HB 25-1147: Fairness & Transparency in Municipal Court

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

The act caps the maximum incarceration sentence for a municipal violation that has a comparable state law crime at the same length as the state-level offense. If a comparable state-level offense does not exist, the maximum period of incarceration is capped at the maximum for a state-level petty offense. Mandatory minimums and increased penalties based on prior convictions are prohibited unless the person is convicted of a municipal offense for which there is a comparable state offense or of an infraction that allows imposition of the same mandatory minimum or increased penalties based on prior convictions. The act also caps a consecutive municipal sentence at 2 times the highest charge in the case. The act clarifies that municipal court defendants have a right to counsel and that municipal defense counsel have the same notice, case information, and opportunity to meet with their clients as do state-level defense counsel. Current law prohibits paying indigent municipal defense counsel on a fixed or flat-fee payment structure if the municipality prosecutes domestic violence cases. The act applies the prohibition to all municipalities. All municipal court proceedings are required to be open to public observation. Virtual observation is required for all in-custody proceedings, and prompt resolution of municipal cases is required. VETOED by Governor 5/16/2025(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 28

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. May 16, 2025Governor Vetoed
2. May 14, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
3. May 14, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
4. May 14, 2025Sent to the Governor
5. April 23, 2025House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
6. April 6, 2025House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Laid Over Daily
7. April 4, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
8. April 3, 2025Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee, Floor
9. March 31, 2025Senate Committee on Judiciary Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the Whole
10. March 12, 2025Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Judiciary
11. March 7, 2025House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
12. March 6, 2025House Third Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments

Showing 12 most recent of 16 actions. Full history