Colorado Governor Jared Polis has signed HB26-1123, “Preventing Sexual Abuse in Jails,” into law. This first-of-its-kind legislation limits strip searches and prevents sexual violence against incarcerated people. It is the latest win in the SVPA’s fight against state sexual violence, serving as a blueprint for the rest of the country.
Strip and cavity searches are a form of state-sanctioned sexual violence; when the government allows or requires government agents to carry out sexual acts on someone without their consent, typically by claiming it is necessary for “safety.” Strip and cavity searches are a violation of consent, autonomy, and privacy that cause immense trauma. Less than 1% of strip searches find contraband and there are many alternative options.
Strip and cavity searches are also a common site of state-tolerated sexual violence; when government agents commit sexual violence and the government allows it to happen by ignoring reports, silencing survivors, and averting accountability. During these invasive searches, guards and other prison staff frequently commit acts of sexual violence against inmates and detainees. Further, some facilities require body cameras or surveillance cameras to record the search. These recordings can be helpful for accountability but they can also be misused for sexual exploitation.
A disturbing case out of La Plata County Jail triggered survivors, nonprofits, and lawmakers to draft bill HB26-1123. Former Jail Commander Edward Aber was charged with 117 counts of invasion of privacy after watching more than 100 videos of strip searches conducted on women incarcerated at his facility. He viewed these invasive videos outside of his official capacity over 3,000 times for sexual gratification. Eighteen of the incarcerated women are pursuing legal action. The SVPA stands proudly with them.
This case is not an outlier; it is a symptom of a system that causes widespread harm. Now law, HB26-1123 directly confronts these systems. It will prevent state-sanctioned sexual violence by minimizing the number of strip and cavity searches performed in prisons, jails, and detention facilities throughout the state of Colorado. More specifically, this bill will require that two officers independently determine that there is “reasonable belief” to conduct a strip search and that the reason and results of the strip search are documented in a report.
HB26-1123 will also prevent state-tolerated sexual violence by limiting the recording of strip searches, restricting access to footage showing nudity, and preventing the reproduction of such recordings. It will also protect whistleblowers who report sexual violence during strip searches. HB26-1123 reaffirms protections for incarcerated people under the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) by ensuring that detainees are aware of their rights, have access to resources and safe reporting avenues, and that all complaints are processed adequately.
In passing HB26-1123, Colorado is protecting over 87,000 people who are booked in CO jails and over 13,000 people who are incarcerated each year. We deeply appreciate Colorado Coalition Against Sexual Assault (CCASA)’s amazing advocacy and leadership on this bill as well as every advocate, survivor, and legislator who made it possible. We were proud to fight alongside all of you for vital prevention throughout the state.
HB26-1123 is the latest in SVPA’s ongoing efforts to address state sexual violence and it marks the beginning of a nationwide campaign to Stop Strip Searches. The SVPA has advocated against strip searching and other forms of state sexual violence in Connecticut, California, Montana, and Idaho. We’ve also urged the Department of Justice (DOJ) DOJ to maintain vital protections under the Prison Rape Elimination Act.
The fight against state sexual violence is long from over. Strip and cavity searches are normalized and justified with myths of safety. Colorado provides hope and a blueprint for our nationwide fight to Stop Strip Searches.
UPDATE 5/7/2026 – Passed House & Senate
The House and Senate have passed HB26-1123! Now it goes to Governor Jared Polis to sign into law. We contacted his office directly urging him to sign. We also mobilized constituents across the state to contact his office.
UPDATE 4/8/2026 – Senate Hearing
On April 8th, 2026, the Colorado Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing for HB26-1123 ‘Preventing Sexual Abuse in Jails’. The SVPA attended and testified in favor of this bill. We also submitted written testimony.
UPDATE 3/26/2026 – SVPA Endorses
The SVPA officially endorsed HB26-1123! We contacted all of the Colorado House and Senate, urging them to pass this vital bill to prevent state sexual violence and limit strip searches.
