SB 25-279: Colorado Code of Military Justice Updates

Official summary

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

The act incorporates the federal "Uniform Code of Military Justice" (federal code) into the "Colorado Code of Military Justice" (state code), including specifically the punitive articles and general article of the federal code, which describe punishable offenses, and the statute of limitations that applies to charges brought pursuant to the state code. The act repeals sections of the state code that are duplicative of the incorporated federal code. Additionally, the act: Applies the state code to a member of the state military forces (member) at all times, except when the member is ordered to active federal service pursuant to title 10 of the United States Code; Clarifies a commanding officer's authority to impose nonjudicial punishment under the state code; Makes changes to the procedures that govern courts-martial, the punitive authority of courts-martial, and the review of the decisions of courts-martial; and If concurrent civilian and military jurisdiction exists over the same offense and a district attorney has filed felony charges against a member for the offense, requires the state military forces to defer felony prosecution of the member to the district attorney.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 22 · Republican 4

“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. June 4, 2025Governor Signed
2. May 13, 2025Sent to the Governor
3. May 13, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
4. May 13, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
5. May 1, 2025House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
6. April 30, 2025House Second Reading Special Order - Passed - No Amendments
7. April 29, 2025House Committee on State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Refer Unamended to House Committee of the Whole
8. April 14, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed with Amendments - Floor
9. April 14, 2025Introduced In House - Assigned to State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs
10. April 11, 2025Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee
11. April 10, 2025Senate Committee on State, Veterans, & Military Affairs Refer Amended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole
12. April 4, 2025Introduced In Senate - Assigned to State, Veterans, & Military Affairs