Colorado lawmakers are working on a bill that would make visitation a right, rather than a privilege, for inmates in state prisons. Currently, prisoners in Colorado’s 19 state-run correctional facilities can lose visitation privileges if they break rules, such as failing to work or engaging in misconduct.

House Bill 1013 seeks to change this policy by allowing prisons to limit visitation only for security reasons or operational needs. If passed, the bill would mark a major shift in how inmate visitation is handled in the state.

What House Bill 1013 Proposes

House Bill 1013 aims to recognize social visitation as a fundamental right for inmates. Under the proposed legislation:

Prisoners will no longer have to “earn” the ability to have visitors.

Prisons can only restrict visitation when necessary for safety or operational reasons.

Inmates will have the ability to file grievances if they believe their visitation rights were unfairly denied.

Currently, the Department of Corrections (DOC) has the power to revoke visitation for minor rule violations. Supporters of the bill argue that this can be harmful, both for prisoners and their families.

Why Supporters Say Visitation is Essential

The bill has strong support from former inmates, their families, and criminal justice advocates, who believe that visitation is key to rehabilitation and reducing recidivism.

Darius Taylor, a former inmate who spent 22 years in prison, called visitation a “lifeline.” He explained that being able to see his family helped him stay hopeful and motivated during his time behind bars.

“Visitation isn’t just about seeing someone face to face,” Taylor said. “It’s about being reminded of who you are beyond incarceration. Those moments with my family reminded me I was still a brother, a son, a friend—not just a case file or a number.”

Research also supports this argument. Studies show that prisoners who maintain strong relationships with family members are less likely to commit new crimes after release. Supporters of the bill say that cutting off visitation only increases the chances of former inmates reoffending.

Stephanie McGuffie, whose son has been in prison for 16 years, spoke about the emotional toll of being denied visitation rights.

“Families are a source of strength,” she said. “When you strip away the physical connection, you also strip away hope, belonging, and the will to persevere.”

Opposition to the Bill

Not everyone agrees with making visitation a legal right. Republican lawmakers and the Colorado Department of Corrections have raised concerns about the bill’s impact on prison operations and security.

Rep. Matt Soper, a Republican who voted against the bill, said he supports encouraging family visits but believes granting it as a right goes too far.

“People are in prison because they were found guilty of a crime,” Soper said. “Losing certain liberties is part of that punishment.”

The Department of Corrections is also worried about safety issues. Officials argue that prisons need the ability to restrict visitation when necessary, such as when an inmate is involved in violence or misconduct.

Alondra Gonzalez, a spokesperson for the DOC, said:

“Within the prison environment, there are times when it is unsafe to provide an escort for an in-person visit due to the behavior of the incarcerated individual.”

Another concern is the potential for an increase in lawsuits. The bill does not create a direct path for lawsuits but does allow inmates to file grievances. Some lawmakers worry that this could lead to legal challenges against the DOC.

What Happens Next?

House Bill 1013 passed its first vote in the House Judiciary Committee, with support from the majority Democrats. However, it still needs approval from the House Appropriations Committee and the full House before moving to the Senate.

The bill is sponsored by Democratic Representatives Jennifer Bacon and Regina English, along with Senate President James Coleman. Supporters hope it will pass and bring positive changes for inmates and their families.

If Colorado successfully enacts this law, it would join other states that have recognized the importance of visitation for rehabilitation and mental well-being.

Conclusion

The debate over House Bill 1013 highlights the balance between inmate rights and prison security. While supporters argue that visitation strengthens family bonds and helps reduce crime, opponents worry about potential safety risks and legal challenges.

As the bill moves forward, Colorado will have to decide how to ensure that both inmates and prison officials are supported under the new law.