The Colorado Bureau of Investigation has been granted an extension of one year to utilize the $3 million allocated for processing sexual assault forensic exams. This decision comes after lawmakers implemented additional transparency measures to address the backlog of over 1,400 kits awaiting examination.
Victims of sexual assault are currently experiencing wait times exceeding 500 days for the processing of their exams, commonly known as rape kits. The funding, which was part of an initial $7.4 million set aside to retest DNA samples impacted by the lab analyst Yvonne “Missy” Woods scandal, was originally set to expire on June 30, the end of the state’s fiscal year.
Although the budget committee approved the use of the funds to tackle the rape kit backlog, concerns were raised regarding the agency’s handling of the situation in the aftermath of the testing scandal. The lack of transparency surrounding the backlog further fueled skepticism among lawmakers.
In response, the CBI devised a plan to address the backlog, and the House introduced requirements for monthly progress reports. These developments helped break the deadlock on the issue.
Representative Jenny Willford, a Democrat from Northglenn, introduced an amendment on a spending bill for the Department of Public Safety, which oversees the CBI. Willford, whose own sexual assault case is impacted by the backlog, emphasized the importance of holding the agency accountable.
The Senate approved the amendment, granting the CBI until June 30, 2026, to utilize the earmarked funds. Senator Jeff Bridges, a Democrat from Greenwood Village and chair of the Joint Budget Committee, announced plans to introduce a separate bill to strengthen the accountability measures.
While acknowledging that the CBI’s plan may not be as comprehensive as desired, Bridges commended the House for implementing clear guidelines for the agency’s use of the funds.
The Senate-approved measure now awaits approval from Governor Jared Polis.
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