Gov. Polis Signs Senate Bill 120 to Strengthen Missing Student Response Procedures at Colorado Colleges and Universities
DENVER (June 16, 2026) — Gov. Jared Polis has signed Senate Bill 120 into law, a two-part measure that creates a missing student response protocol for Colorado colleges and universities and expands missing person alert training for law enforcement.
The bill, led by Sen. Janice Marchman (D-Loveland) and sponsored by Rep. Brandi Bradley (R-Littleton), Sen. Katie Wallace (D-Longmont) and Rep. Yara Zokaie (D-Fort Collins), passed with overwhelming bipartisan support.
A ceremonial bill signing will be held on June 18 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. MDT in the West Foyer of the Colorado State Capitol. Legislative sponsors and members of Megan Trussell’s family will be available for comments immediately following the ceremony.
The legislation was introduced following the death of University of Colorado Boulder student Megan Trussell and the case of Kaylee Russell, a 20-year-old Colorado woman whose disappearance prompted a massive search before she was found deceased from a fatal crash. Together, the cases underscored the need for clearer missing person response protocols and stronger training on Colorado’s missing person alert systems.
Under the bill, institutions of higher education must either immediately contact law enforcement when a student is reported missing or conduct a preliminary wellness assessment for no longer than six hours. If the student is not located or there is evidence of credible risk, the institution must notify campus police or the appropriate local law enforcement agency.
The bill also requires peace officers seeking certification or recertification to complete training on the state’s active missing person alert systems, with the Department of Public Safety responsible for creating the training program.
“When a student is reported missing, every hour matters,” said Sen. Marchman. “Megan Trussell’s death exposed serious gaps in the way missing student cases are handled, and SB120 is about making sure no family has to experience that same uncertainty and frustration again.”
The legislation is designed to create clearer protocols, faster response timelines and greater accountability when students are reported missing.
“The bill exists because Megan should have been looked for sooner, with urgency, documentation and accountability,” said Vanessa Diaz, Trussell’s mother. “It exists because families should not have to beg institutions to take a missing young adult seriously. I am grateful SB120 is now law.”
Senate Bill 120 takes effect August 12 at 12:01 a.m. MST, marking a significant step toward strengthening student safety protections and ensuring institutions act swiftly when a student’s well-being may be at risk.
