House Judiciary Committee to Hear Bill Aimed at Speeding Law Enforcement Access to Digital Evidence

Jefferson County, CO. — The Colorado House Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on the Social Media Duty to Report & Search Warrant bill (HB26-1255)  on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Colorado State Capitol. The bill was brought forward through a partnership between Jefferson County Sheriff Reggie Marinelli, Representative Tammy Story, and Senator Lisa Cutter.

HB26-1255 was developed in response to the tragic shooting at Evergreen High School in September 2025. During the investigation, law enforcement learned that an online threat connected to the shooter had been reported months earlier, but delays in obtaining digital evidence prevented investigators from identifying the individual before the attack occurred.

Under current Colorado law, social media companies can take up to 35 daysto respond to a valid search warrant. HB26-1255 would require companies to respond within 24 hours when law enforcement has legal authority and judicial approval. The bill would also establish a duty for social media platforms to report imminent threats of violence to law enforcement, allowing officers to intervene more quickly.

“After learning that critical information existed before the Evergreen shooting but could not be obtained in time, we knew we had to act,” said Sheriff Reggie Marinelli. “This legislation is about giving law enforcement the tools to respond faster when credible threats are identified and doing everything we can to prevent future tragedies.”

The legislation focuses on speed, accountability, and prevention, while maintaining existing judicial oversight and privacy protections.

The House Judiciary Committee hearing will provide an opportunity for legislators and members of the public to discuss the bill and its potential impact on public safety in Colorado.