Policy Updates in Alignment with HB 25-1013
The Colorado Department of Corrections (CDOC) is committed to its mission and the principle that maintaining family and community ties is vital for residents’ successful rehabilitation and safe return to society. In support of this commitment and in alignment with the recently passed House Bill (HB) 25-1013, the CDOC has finalized a comprehensive review and revision of several Administrative Regulations (ARs).
These changes reflect a strategic effort to enhance incarcerated individuals ' family communication, clarify expectations, and ensure our policies support the long-term goal of reducing recidivism.
Administrative Regulations Impacted by HB 25-1013
The following Administrative Regulations (ARs) have been reviewed and updated to reflect the requirements of HB 25-1013. The AR numbers below are formatted as hyperlinks to the main Department Policies page, where the documents can be located.
AR Number | Regulation Title | Nature of Policy Change |
AR 150-01 | Code of Penal Discipline | Defines Disciplinary Sanctions and Time Frames. Restriction of social visitation is allowable for class I offenses only and within specific time frames. |
AR 200-02 | Inmate Banking | Policy was modified to require that DOC residents with visitors in common with other residents must receive advance approval from the appointing authority/designee of their current facility to receive monies from a visitor who is visiting more than one resident. |
AR 300-01 | Offender Visiting Program | The policy has undergone a full revision to provide clarity concerning visiting rules, procedures, dress code, and processes in compliance with HB 25-1013. Please review the policy for details regarding revisions. Key changes include: - The revision redefines visitation as all social interactions, including both in-person / contact visitation and non-contact visitation (non-contact visits, video visitation, and the definition of phone calls as a non-contact visiting option).
- Expands access to visitation and the number of approved visitors allowed on visiting lists.
- Clarifies and sets expectations for communication regarding visiting application denials.
- Expands visitor eligibility for justice-involved individuals.
- Streamlines retention of active visitor status, eliminating the need for annual reapplication with consent to a background check.
- Outlines criteria and notifications for cancellations.
- Updates dress code allowance and definitions.
- Updates visitor conduct expectations, process, and duration of suspension/termination.
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AR 300-17 | Escorted Leave | Revised to allow for virtual attendance of funerals and immediately following the birth of a child through video or phone calls, as technology allows. |
AR 600-05 | Restriction of Offenders’ Privileges in Correctional Facilities | Revised to authorize retention of tablets to facilitate communication during placement on restricted privileges and to provide for non-contact/video visitation. |
AR 600-09 | Special Management and MCU Status | Defines policy and process for visitation with residents assigned to special management, including MCC, MCU-HR, MCU, and CCTU. The revised policy includes the specific circumstances in which visiting rights at these classifications may be limited or suspended. |
AR 650-03 | Restrictive Housing | Policy was revised to clarify visiting and phone rights and access for residents assigned to restrictive housing. |
AR 850-10 | Emergency Notification | Outlines the expansion of the funeral/memorial viewing. |
AR 850-12 | Telephone Regulations for Offenders | The policy has been revised to define phone calls as non-contact visits and to provide clarity on the specific circumstances under which the right to non-contact visitation by phone may be suspended |
In addition to the above revisions, the department reviewed other ARs, including AR 300-56 Special Controls and AR 650-02 Protective Custody, to ensure they were in alignment with HB25-1013. The review determined that these policies were already in alignment with the legislation.
Our commitment is to manage our correctional facilities safely and effectively while recognizing the profound importance of familial and social connections in the rehabilitation process. If you encounter any issues, you may file a complaint through Constituent Services. Alternatively, your loved one can file a formal grievance, which must be initiated by the individual themselves as outlined in policy in Administrative Regulation 850-04 Grievance Procedure. Visitors are encouraged to contact the facility's Administrative Head or Constituent Services with any additional concerns.
Thank you for your continued contribution.
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