Governor Signs Catlin’s Bill to Prevent Dangerous 911 System Abuse
NEWS RELEASE
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Office of Colorado
State Senator Marc Catlin
303-866-5292
marc.catlin.senate@coleg.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Governor Signs Catlin’s Bill to Prevent Dangerous 911 System Abuse
Denver, Colorado – On Thursday, April 17, 2025, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed the bi- partisan bill Repeated Phone Calls Obstruction of Government Operations ( SB25-060 ) into law. The law strengthens the definitions and clarifies the conduct that constitutes criminal obstruction of governmental operations via repeatedly calling 911 dispatch centers without justifiable cause. This law does preserve the track to ensure the mental health and well-being of the individual is considered, before a criminal charge is presented. This legislation was brought forth by dispatch centers from the Western Slope and within Senate District 5. During committee testimony of this legislation, it was revealed that some dispatch centers were facing challenges such as over 4,000 calls from one individual per day. This type of abuse not only is a nuisance, but it is critically dangerous, due to tying up lines and operators that are actively dispatching public safety officers. This bill passed through the legislature with nearly 90% approval and does not have a financial impact on the state budget.
The bill was administratively signed into law by Governor Jared Polis. The prime sponsors are Senators Marc Catlin (R-SD5) of Montrose County and Dylan Roberts (D-SD8) of Eagle County, Representatives Chad Clifford (D-HD37) of Arapahoe County and Ryan Armagost (R-HD64) of Weld County.
Senator Catlin says, “I am honored that the people of Senate District 5 brought this legislation forward and asked me to carry it. I know this legislation will help our communities and our residents. The people of Colorado trust that when they need help and dial 911, someone will be there to help them. We do not want to lose that trust. Hearing a busy signal during an emergency is not the response we want. Our community 911 operators, public safety personnel and law enforcement officers are heroes that ensure our community feels safe. It is critically important to continue to utilize these essential resources. ”
Colorado State Senator Marc Catlin represents the seven counties of Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Gunnison, Hinsdale, Montrose, and Pitkin. Senator Catlin is a member of the agriculture & Natural Resources; Transportation & Energy; and Business, Labor, & Technology Committees. Senator Catlin also serves as a Member on the Colorado Tourism Board.
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