A law requiring social media platforms to respond to search warrants within 72 hours goes into effect on Aug. 12.

Senate Bill 011 also requires platforms to create a staffed hotline for Colorado law enforcement agencies to contact regarding pending search warrants.

The bill is a pared-down version of last year’s
Senate Bill 086, which also included provisions related to violations of social media policies and minor users. While the bill passed through both the House and the Senate, Gov. Jared Polis vetoed the legislation, expressing worries about requiring social media companies to enforce state laws and about the measure’s data-collection requirements.

The Senate voted to override the veto, but efforts stalled when it became clear there weren’t enough votes in the House to successfully challenge the governor’s decision.

New section added to see if this takes in print

Supporters of the signed measure ranged from law enforcement agencies to healthcare providers and youth advocates, who raised worries about crimes committed through social media. They pointed to several recent cases they argued could have turned out differently had the bill been in effect.

Last September, Desmond Holly, a student at Evergreen High School, opened fire on his classmates, injuring two before killing himself.

Holly had posted a photo of a handgun on his social media account shortly before the shooting. Just an hour before the shooting, he made a second post with a photo of himself holding the firearm.