HB21-1110
Colorado Laws for Persons with Disabilities
Despite being passed in 1990, enforcement of the Americans with Disability Act have yet to be extended to Colorado’s public agencies. HB21-1110 adds language to strengthen current Colorado law related to protections against discrimination on the basis of ability. Coloradans with a disability will now be guaranteed access to all public services offered in our state, from mass transit to state-run websites. And HB21-1110 will introduce new tools for advocates to combat discriminatory policies, including the wherewithal to sue in state courts.
Accessibility is non-negotiable. This legislation is a crucial step in creating a Colorado that works for every Coloradan.
HB21-1065
Veterans' Hiring Preference
Our service members have born the brunt of 20+ years of combat deployments. Higher rates of temporary or permanent disability, lack of understanding of the skillsets that veterans bring to the table by hiring managers, and more lead to veterans in transition from military service to civilian life having much higher rates of employment than their civilian counterparts So long as a veteran, surviving spouse of a service member killed in service, or member of the National Guard are as qualified as other applicants, HB21-1065 creates a statutory basis to allow a private employer to give preference to these individuals when hiring a new employee.
SB21-026
Restoration of Honor Act
As a former service member of the US Army, I know firsthand the dedication and love of country behind a commitment to serve. And as an LGBTQ veteran, I know that honor and patriotism is not any different based on one’s sexual orientation. In granting state veteran benefits to those wrongfully discharged under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, the Colorado Restoration of Honor Act, acknowledges this fact. It’s a first step towards overturning a long overdue injustice.
SB21-078
Lost or Stolen Firearms
Isabella Joy Thallas Act
This bill requires the owner of a firearm who has reasonable cause to believe the firearm was lost or stolen to report to a law enforcement agency that the firearm has been lost or stolen within 5 days of making the discovery. Failure to report a lost or stolen firearm is a civil infraction punishable by a $25 fine. A second or subsequent offense is an unclassified misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $500.
HB21-1106
Safe Storage Of Firearms
This bill requires firearm owners to securely store their firearms, requires federally licensed gun dealers to provide a locking device with each sale or transfer or a firearm, and requires the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to provide the public with information on safe storage on its website and in other materials, as discussed further below.
SB21-083
Higher Education Student Financial Assistance Funding
The passage of this legislation works to protect student financial aid assistance during our current economic downturn. It ensures that colleges aren’t jeopardizing the education of tens of thousands of low-income students. In a time when students and families need it most, SB21-083 provides support, security, and a commitment to equal opportunity for all.
HB21-1116
Purple Heart Recipient Free State Park Access
In granting free access to our state parks for recipients of one of our nation’s highest honors, the Purple Heart, HB21-1116 is a small step in honoring those who sacrificed themselves in service to our country.
SB21-153
Department of Corrections Offender Identification Assistance Program
For far too long in our state, Coloradans leaving the criminal justice system were left with no real resources to reintegrate into daily life. Without providing formerly incarcerated persons easy access to necessities like drivers licenses, we have continually hurt their ability to safely re-enter society. SB21-153 assists those exiting the carceral system in obtaining state-issued identification. In doing so, it knocks down barriers to accessing salaried jobs, adequate housing, and real financial stability. It a crucial step in allowing formerly incarcerated Coloradans to thrive.
HB21-1169
Prohibit Discrimination Organ Transplant Recipient
Despite being technically illegal under ADA statutes, many hospitals and insurers are unlikely to face consequential action for the refusal of an organ transplant to those with disabilities. HB21-1169 mandates that an individual’s disability alone cannot disqualify them from consideration as an organ transplant recipient by a hospital or negatively impact their status on a hospital’s waitlist. The bill similarly prevents patients’ insurance agencies from citing their disability as their reason for the denial of coverage for an organ transplant.
FDA-approved Prescription 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine Drug Use
HB22-1344 | Governor Signed | 06/8/2022
The bill states that if the United States food and drug administration approves a prescription medicine that contains 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), and if that medicine has been placed on a schedule of the federal "Controlled Substances Act", other than schedule I, or has been exempted from one or more provisions of such act, then thereafter prescribing, dispensing, transporting, possessing, and using that prescription drug is legal in Colorado.
See MoreChanging Medicaid For Wheelchair Repairs
HB22-1290 | Governor Signed | 06/2/2022
The bill prohibits the department of health care policy and financing (state department) from requiring prior authorization for any repair of complex rehabilitation technology (CRT), such as wheelchairs.
See MoreImproving Higher Education For Students With A Disability
HB22-1255 | Governor Signed | 04/21/2022
The bill requires the department of higher education (department) to submit, as a part of its annual "State Measurement for Accountable, Responsive, and Transparent (SMART) Government Act" hearing, data related to postsecondary outcomes for students with a disability. The department shall gather the data in collaboration with institutions of higher education (institutions).
See MoreSupporting Adaptive Equipment In Rental Motor Vehicles
HB22-1253 | Governor Signed | 06/2/2022
The bill provides a leasee, including a person with a disability, the right to request adaptive equipment in rental motor vehicles as well as general support to those requiring adaptive equipment in a rental motor vehicle.
See MoreExtending the School Leadership Pilot Program
HB22-1248 | Governor Signed | 05/24/2022
The bill repeals the repeal date for the existing school leadership pilot program and removes the word "pilot" from the name of the program.
Read MoreCreating a Veterans Resource Information Clearinghouse Online Portal
HB22-1219 | Currently: House Committee on Appropriations Lay Over Unamended - Amendment(s) Failed | 05/12/2022
Under existing law, the division of veterans affairs (division) within the department of military and veterans affairs operates a veterans resource information clearinghouse (clearinghouse) to provide information concerning support, services, and other assistance available to veterans and their families.
The bill requires the division to create and maintain an online portal to assist veterans with accessing information provided through the clearinghouse, allow users to maintain a personalized health record in the portal, and offer secure care coordination and personalized care tools that help veterans be more engaged in their health. The division is permitted to enter into an agreement with a third party to create and maintain the online portal or, if the third party maintains an existing, similar portal, to expand and maintain that existing portal
Regulating Sunset Process Conveyance
HB22-1212| Governor Signed | 05/26/2022
This bill implements the recommendations of the department of regulatory agencies in its sunset review and report on the regulation of conveyances and conveyance mechanics, contractors, and inspectors by continuing the regulation for 9 years, until September 1, 2031.
Read MoreAiding Veterans and Military Status In Fair Housing
HB22-1102 | Governor Signed | 04/4/2022
This bill forbids anyone selling or renting a dwelling from discriminating against an individual based on their veteran or military status. The bill forbids anyone from refusing to negotiate for housing with an individual on the basis of their veteran or military status or otherwise denying or withholding housing on the basis of an individual's veteran or military status. For purposes of the bill, an individual who was dishonorably discharged from military service does not have veteran or military status.
Read MoreConsumer Right To Repair Powered Wheelchairs
HB22-1031 | Governor Signed | 06/2/2022
Usually, an owner of a powered wheelchair must seek diagnostic, maintenance, or repair services of the wheelchair from the manufacturer.
This bill requires a manufacturer to provide parts, embedded software, firmware, tools, or documentation, such as diagnostic, maintenance, or repair manuals, diagrams, or similar information, to independent repair providers and owners of the manufacturer's powered wheelchairs to allow an independent repair provider or owner to conduct diagnostic, maintenance, or repair services on the owner's powered wheelchair. A manufacturer's failure to comply with the requirement is a deceptive trade practice. In complying with the requirement to provide these resources, a manufacturer need not divulge any trade secrets to independent repair providers and owners.
Any new contractual provision or other arrangement that a manufacturer enters into that would remove or limit the manufacturer's obligation to provide these resources to independent repair providers and owners is void and unenforceable.