Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police & Colorado District Attorneys’ Council Urge “NO” Vote on House Bill 26-1281

Bill would reduce accountability for Colorado’s most dangerous violent crimes 

April 14, 2026 

Under current law, “extreme indifference” murder applies to conduct showing a complete disregard for human life — including mass shootings, drive-by shootings and other acts that endanger entire communities.  

HB 1281 would reclassify many of these cases from first-degree murder to second-degree murder when only one victim is killed — even if many lives were put in danger.  

“Extreme indifference crimes represent the highest disregard for human life — actions that put multiple people or communities in grave risk. House Bill 26-1281 would reduce accountability for some of the most violent and dangerous conduct we see as law enforcement. Weakening those penalties sends the wrong signal and does not make our communities safer.” - Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police

“Prosecutors rely on Colorado’s extreme indifference law to hold offenders accountable for acts of violence that endanger many lives — from mass shootings to other acts of horrific violence in public spaces. This bill creates a troubling outcome where individuals who commit extraordinarily dangerous acts may face lesser charges simply because fewer victims died or because the child victim is over the age of 13. Accountability should be based on the conduct and the risk created — not chance. For victims, families, and communities, that distinction matters.” - Tom Raynes, executive director, Colorado District Attorneys’ Council 

Key concerns with HB 26-1281 

1. Reduces accountability for the most dangerous crimes
The bill lowers penalties for individuals whose actions demonstrate extreme disregard for human life — weakening consequences for conduct that places entire communities at risk.  

2. Creates parole eligibility for the most serious offenders
Currently, those convicted of extreme indifference murder face life in prison. Under HB 1281, many would become eligible for parole after serving a fraction of their sentence.  

3. Treats attempted mass-casualty violence as a lesser crime
A person who carries out an attack that endangers many people — but kills only one — could face a lower charge than under current law, creating what prosecutors describe as a dangerous and illogical outcome.  

4. Shifts focus away from actions and risk
The bill ties severity of charges to the number of victims rather than the nature of the conduct — meaning equally dangerous actions may be punished less severely depending on outcomes beyond the offender’s control.  

5. Undermines public safety and confidence in the justice system
Reducing penalties for the most serious violent crimes sends the wrong signal to victims, families, communities, and offenders about accountability.  

Real-world examples  

Colorado prosecutors note that cases currently charged as extreme indifference murder — and subject to life sentences — could be reduced under HB 1281, including: 

 

 

The Colorado Association of Chiefs of Police is a professional organization dedicated to supporting law enforcement leaders and enhancing public safety for the communities they serve. CACP represents 125 agencies across the state.