Colorado Bill to Curb Jail Sexual Abuse Paused in Senate

Lawmakers aim to align bill language with existing laws and standards governing searches and surveillance

Apr. 15, 2026 at 3:42am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a set of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the gritty, investigative nature of allegations of sexual abuse in jails.A harsh flash-lit image of handcuffs underscores the serious nature of allegations of sexual abuse within the criminal justice system.Durango Today

A Colorado bill aimed at tightening strip-search rules and curbing sexual abuse in jails was paused earlier this month so lawmakers can align its language with existing laws and standards governing searches and surveillance. The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to pause the bill, titled "Preventing Sexual Abuse in Jails", until amendments could be made to address concerns raised by law enforcement officials over the bill's language, scope and requirements.

Why it matters

The bill was partly inspired by a case involving a former La Plata County Jail captain accused of viewing strip-search videos of at least 117 inmates for sexual gratification. The pause highlights the challenges of balancing efforts to prevent abuse with existing laws and operational needs of jails.

The details

The bill would limit strip searches, expand reporting requirements and whistleblower protections for jail staff, and ensure inmates are aware of their rights and available resources in sexual abuse cases. Law enforcement officials raised concerns that some of the bill's language could cause delays, staffing strain, and conflict with existing strip-search statutes and jail standards.

  • The Senate Judiciary Committee voted on April 8 to pause the bill until amendments could be made.
  • The bill, titled "Preventing Sexual Abuse in Jails", was introduced in mid-February by Colorado lawmakers.

The players

Rep. Katie Stewart

A Colorado lawmaker who represents House District 59 and was one of the bill's sponsors.

Edward Aber

A former La Plata County Jail captain accused of viewing strip-search videos of at least 117 inmates for sexual gratification.

Sen. Judy Amabile

One of the bill's supporters, who stated that the bill is not meant to be anti-law enforcement.

Sen. Mike Weissman

Another of the bill's sponsors, who communicated an intention by the sponsorship team to continue fine-tuning the bill.

Cmdr. Drew Odeman

Of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, who said he supports the bill's intent but believes some of the bill's existing language could cause delays and staffing strain for jail employees.

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What they’re saying

“This isn't a bill about punishing law enforcement. This is a bill about putting guardrails around these processes and this situation that has been brought to light by the case that happened in Durango.”

— Sen. Judy Amabile, Bill Supporter

“We will get to work resolving some of the details that have been spoken of. We look forward to coming back to the committee soon.”

— Sen. Mike Weissman, Bill Sponsor

What’s next

No exact timeline for revisiting the bill was determined during the Senate Judiciary Committee session.

The takeaway

This pause in the legislative process highlights the complexities involved in crafting policies to prevent sexual abuse in jails, as lawmakers must balance the bill's intent with existing laws, operational needs of law enforcement, and concerns raised by various stakeholders.