Colorado Bill Prohibits Monetary Assessments Against Juveniles

Detected March 13th, 2026

Summary

Colorado HB26-1232 proposes to prohibit courts and the state from assessing or collecting administrative fees, costs, and surcharges against juveniles or their parents/guardians. This applies to crimes committed when the juvenile was under 18 and sentenced before age 21. The bill is currently under consideration in the 2026 Regular Session.

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What changed

Colorado House Bill HB26-1232, currently in its 2026 Regular Session, aims to amend existing law by prohibiting courts and the state from assessing or collecting administrative fees, costs, and surcharges against juveniles or their parents/guardians. This prohibition specifically targets cases where the juvenile was under 18 at the time of the crime and under 21 at the time of sentencing. This proposed change expands upon current law, which already restricts such assessments in certain juvenile delinquency cases.

If enacted, this bill would significantly impact the financial obligations placed on juveniles and their families within the Colorado justice system. Legal professionals and courts will need to ensure compliance with the new assessment restrictions. While the bill is in a draft/consideration stage, its progression through the legislative process, including upcoming committee reviews and floor readings, should be monitored. No specific compliance deadline is yet established as the bill has not been enacted into law.

What to do next

Monitor the legislative progress of HB26-1232 in Colorado.
Review internal policies and procedures regarding the assessment of court costs and fees for juvenile cases.
Consult with legal counsel on potential impacts if the bill is enacted.

Source document (simplified)

HB26-1232

Court Costs Assessed to Juveniles

| Type | Bill |
| --- | --- |
| Session | 2026 Regular Session |
| Subjects | Courts & Judicial |
Concerning prohibition of certain monetary assessments against a juvenile in the justice system.

Recent Bill (PDF) Recent Fiscal Note (PDF) Bill Summary:

Under current law, courts may not assess or collect administrative fees, costs, and surcharges in juvenile delinquency cases involving a juvenile under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court when a juvenile has been charged with or adjudicated of certain crimes. The bill adds that courts or the state is prohibited from assessing or collecting administrative fees, costs, and surcharges assessed against a juvenile or the juvenile's parents, guardian, or legal custodian when the juvenile was under 18 years old when the crime was committed and under 21 years old when the juvenile was sentenced. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)