| Calendar Notification of Your Bill Dossier |
Bill HB23-1001 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill HB23-1057 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill HB23-1077 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill HB23-1093 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill HB23-1183 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill HB23-1198 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill HB23-1200 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill HB23-1209 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill HB23-1215 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill HB23-1243 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill HB23-1256 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-003 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-048 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-060 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-066 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-084 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-085 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-087 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-093 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-096 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-111 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-149 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-167 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-170 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-171 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-172 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-188 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-202 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-205 - NOT ON CALENDAR
Bill SB23-293 - NOT ON CALENDAR
| BILL HB23-1001 |
The act expands student eligibility for the educator preparation stipend programs by increasing students' expected family contribution from no more than 200% to no more than 250% of the maximum federal Pell-eligible expected family contribution. For the 2022-23 and 2023-24 state fiscal years, expected family contribution is temporarily expanded to no more than 300% of the maximum federal Pell-eligible expected family contribution.
The act allows a student who is eligible for the student educator stipend program to be placed as a student educator in a school- or community-based setting in Colorado or within 100 miles of the Colorado state border.
The act modifies the Colorado commission on higher education considerations of student eligibility for the educator preparation stipend programs specific to funds appropriated for the programs from the economic recovery and relief cash fund.
The act broadens the temporary educator loan forgiveness program (forgiveness program) requirements to allow applicants to be principals or special service providers in addition to teachers.
The act extends the forgiveness program through July 2023, removes requirements that a school's at-risk student population must exceed 60% in order for an educator to be eligible for the forgiveness program, and expands qualified positions to include positions in any public school, board of cooperative services, or facility school in Colorado. The act also changes how the program prioritizes applicants for the program.
The act directs a portion of the appropriation for the 2022-23 state fiscal year to the department of education for a portfolio management system to facilitate the multiple measures approach to the assessment professional competencies.
APPROVED by Governor April 10, 2023
EFFECTIVE April 10, 2023
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL HB23-1057 |
Effective January 1, 2024, the act requires each newly constructed building and each building with qualifying restroom renovations that is wholly or partly owned by a state department, state agency, state institution of higher education, county, city and county, or municipality (public entity) to:
Beginning July 1, 2024, but no later than July 1, 2026, a building that is wholly or partially owned or leased by a public entity must ensure that signage for the building or the portion of the building leased or owned by the public entity complies with the following signage requirements, subject to available appropriations:
The act requires the department of personnel to complete a survey that determines the number and locations of signs needed to comply with the act signage requirements and requires the survey be provided to the general assembly and the capital development committee. The requirements of the act pertaining to baby diaper changing stations and providing a non-gendered single-stall restroom or a non-gendered multi-stall restroom in specified locations do not apply:
Beginning on July 1, 2025, the act requires a building that is wholly or partially owned by a public entity that is a newly constructed building that is accessible to employees or enrolled students, or a building undergoing a qualifying restroom renovation to:
The act clarifies that an employee with a designated workplace in a public building may undertake the complaint process for alleged discriminatory or unfair practices including the failure to comply with providing the required amenities to all genders, as required, with the Colorado civil rights division charged with the enforcement of the Colorado anti-discrimination act.
For the 2023-24 state fiscal year, $450,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the department of personnel for use by the office of the state architect. To implement the act, the office may use $400,000 for statewide planning services and $50,000 for a restroom survey of state-owned buildings.
APPROVED by Governor May 24, 2023
EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL HB23-1077 |
The act prohibits a licensed physician or physician assistant; licensed medical resident, intern, or fellow; licensed professional nurse; advanced practice registered nurse; registered direct-entry midwife; or medical, nursing, or direct-entry midwife student or trainee (licensee, student, or trainee) from performing, and prohibits a licensed health-care facility from permitting a licensee, student, or trainee to perform, an intimate examination on a sedated or unconscious patient unless the patient has given specific informed consent to an intimate examination. Additionally, a student or trainee may perform an intimate examination on a sedated or unconscious patient for educational or training purposes only if:
The informed consent requirement does not apply in an emergency situation in which an intimate examination on a sedated or unconscious patient is medically necessary for the life or well-being of the patient or if the licensee has previously obtained the patient's consent to health care that includes an intimate examination about which the patient has been informed.
The act outlines the requirements for obtaining the patient's informed consent. Failure to comply with the requirements of the act, or retaliating against a person who complains about a violation of the act, constitutes unprofessional conduct, is grounds for discipline, and subjects the licensee, student, or trainee to discipline by the regulator that regulates the particular health-care profession. A licensed health-care facility that fails to comply with the requirements of the act is subject to sanctions imposed by the department of public health and environment.
Additionally, a patient who is subjected to an intimate examination in violation of the requirements of the act may file a civil action for damages, which action is not a medical malpractice action, and the statutory cap on noneconomic damages in civil actions applies to an award to a patient for noneconomic damages.
For the 2023-24 state fiscal year, the act appropriates $32,915 from the general fund to the department of public health and environment for use by the health facilities and emergency medical services division to implement the act.
APPROVED by Governor May 25, 2023
EFFECTIVE January 1, 2024
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL HB23-1093 |
Current law allows higher education faculty to take a sabbatical if the governing board of the institution where the faculty member works approves the sabbatical. The act extends sabbatical opportunities to staff of an institution of higher education who serve in a management position or similar capacity.
APPROVED by Governor April 10, 2023
EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL HB23-1183 |
The act requires the department of health care policy and financing (state department) review and determine if an exception to step therapy is granted if the prescribing provider submits a prior authorization request with justification and supporting clinical documentation for treatment of a serious or complex medical condition. The act requires the state department to provide a response to a prior authorization request for a step-therapy exception within 24 hours after receipt of the request.
If a prior authorization request for a step-therapy exception is incomplete or if additional clinically relevant information is required, the act requires the state department to notify the prescribing provider within 24 hours after the submission of the request. If the state department does not receive a response within 72 hours after the state department's request for additional information, the prior authorization is denied. If the prior authorization request is denied, the act requires the state department to inform the recipient in writing that the recipient has a right to appeal the determination.
The act requires the state department to authorize coverage for the prescription drug prescribed by the recipient's prescribing provider if the prior authorization request for a step-therapy exception request is granted.
The act requires the state department to make the prior authorization requirements for coverage of prescription drugs and a description of the step-therapy exemption process available on the state department's website.
The act appropriates $56,250 to the state department from the general fund.
APPROVED by Governor May 1, 2023
EFFECTIVE May 1, 2023
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL HB23-1198 |
The act requires the department of labor and employment (department) to establish, on or before January 1, 2024, a teacher externship program to provide work-based learning opportunities for kindergarten through twelfth grade public school teachers (K-12 teachers) in order for the teachers to gain knowledge and expand their curriculum in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics disciplines and other disciplines that may be of value to a particular school district.
The department is required to establish at least one externship model and develop consistency in offering the ability for teachers to apply for graduate credits, career and technical education credits, and professional development credits. The act requires the department to collaborate with the department of education to establish minimum standards for the work-based learning opportunities.
The department is authorized to allocate money directly to local education providers for teacher compensation and to work-based intermediaries, if applicable, to defray the costs of placing the teachers in externships with employers.
The act requires the department to compile and report data on the externship program on an annual basis. The director is authorized to accept gifts, grants, and donations for the purposes of providing compensation to teachers who participate in the program.
The executive director of the department may promulgate rules to implement the program. The program is scheduled to repeal on September 1, 2025.
For the 2023-24 state fiscal year, the act appropriates $223,039 from the general fund to the department of labor and employment for use by the division of employment and training to implement the teacher externship program and authorizes the department to expend a portion of the 2023-24 state fiscal year appropriation that is not expended prior to July 1, 2024, in the 2024-25 state fiscal year for the same purpose.
APPROVED by Governor May 22, 2023
EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL HB23-1200 |
To help serve persons with behavioral health needs who are enrolled in medicaid, the act requires managed care entities (MCE) to enter into single case agreements with willing providers of behavioral health services enrolled in the medical assistance program when network development and access standards are not met and a member needs access to a medically necessary behavioral health service. The act sets forth the requirements for single case agreements created by an MCE.
APPROVED by Governor June 7, 2023
EFFECTIVE June 7, 2023
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL HB23-1209 |
The bill requires the Colorado school of public health to analyze model legislation for implementing a publicly financed and privately delivered universal health-care payment system for Colorado that directly compensates providers. The Colorado school of public health must submit a report detailing its findings from the analysis to the general assembly by December 1, 2023. October 1, 2024.
The bill also creates the statewide health-care analysis task force consisting of members appointed by the general assembly and the governor, as well as executive directors of specified state departments, the commissioner of insurance, and the chief executive officer of the Colorado health benefit exchange or any designees of the executive directors, the commissioner, and the chief executive officer. The task force is created for the purpose of advising the Colorado school of public health during the analysis.
(Note: Italicized words indicate new material added to the original summary; dashes through words indicate deletions from the original summary.)
(Note: This summary applies to the reengrossed version of this bill as introduced in the second house.)
| BILL HB23-1215 |
On and after July 1, 2024, the act prohibits a health-care provider (provider), which is an individual provider or a health facility, or a health system, which is a corporation or organization that owns, contains, or operates 3 or more hospitals, from charging, billing, or collecting a facility fee directly from a patient that is not covered by the patient's insurance for mandatory coverage for preventive health-care services that are provided in an outpatient setting. The act defines "facility fee" as any fee that a hospital or health system charges or bills for outpatient services that is intended to compensate the hospital or health system for its operational expenses and that is separate and distinct from a professional fee charged or billed by a provider for professional medical services. The limitation on charging, billing, or collecting a facility fee does not apply to a critical access hospital, a sole community hospital in a rural or frontier area, a community clinic affiliated with a sole community hospital in a rural or frontier area, or a hospital established by the Denver health and hospital authority.
The act:
The act creates a steering committee (steering committee) in the department of health care policy and financing (department) to facilitate the development of a preliminary report by August 1, 2024, and a final report by October 1, 2024, detailing the impact of outpatient facility fees on the Colorado health-care system, including the impact on consumers, employers, and providers.
The steering committee consists of 7 members appointed by the governor with relevant expertise in health-care billing and payment policy, including, among others, members representing consumers, payers, and providers. The act lists specific data and information to be collected, identified, evaluated, and analyzed, including:
To the extent feasible, data must be sourced from 2014 through 2022, as determined by the steering committee and any third-party contractors, and disaggregated, as described in the act. The steering committee shall seek to exhaust existing data sources before making additional requests and shall minimize the number of data requests.
To implement the act, for the 2023-24 state fiscal year, the act:
APPROVED by Governor May 30, 2023
EFFECTIVE May 30, 2023
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL HB23-1243 |
The act makes changes to hospital community benefit activity requirements and imposes certain requirements on the public meetings regarding each reporting hospital's community benefit activities and community implementation plan (plan). The act requires each reporting hospital to:
The act requires the state medical services board to promulgate rules governing accommodation standards for the public meetings and include in its annual report a summary of the estimated federal, state, and property tax exemptions received by each hospital.
The act requires the state department to:
The act requires a reporting hospital to expend any amount fined on community benefit investment priorities described in its current community benefit implementation plan. The reporting hospital must include information on how the money from fines was expended in the reporting hospital's annual report submitted to the state department.
The act appropriates $50,000 from the healthcare affordability and sustainability fee cash fund to the state department for use by the office of the executive director of the state department, $100,000 from reappropriated funds received from the state department to the department of revenue for personal services, and $50,000 in anticipated federal funds for transfer to the department of revenue.
APPROVED by Governor May 10, 2023
EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL HB23-1256 |
The bill specifies that a Colorado-licensed, -certified, or -registered health-care professional may render care via telehealth to patients or clients located in another state if the professional is authorized to practice the profession in the other state pursuant to an interstate compact or other grant of authority from the other state.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)
| BILL SB23-003 |
The act creates the Colorado adult high school program (program) in the office responsible for adult education within the department of education (department). The purpose of the program is to create a pathway for Coloradans who are 21 years of age or older and do not have a high school diploma to attend high school and earn a diploma at no cost. Students may also earn industry-recognized certificates, career and technical education certificates, or college credits at no cost through the program.
The act requires the department to award a grant to a Colorado community-based nonprofit organization (organization) to operate the program as an education provider. The education provider is required to:
The department is required to establish a fair and transparent application process in order to select an organization to operate the program. The application process must include input from the office within the department responsible for adult education.
On or before July 31, 2025, July 31, 2026, and March 30, 2027 the education provider is required to report to the department on the status of the program. On or before November 30, 2025, November 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, the department is required to report the status of the program to the house of representatives education committee and the senate education committee, or their successor committees, including but not limited to:
The program repeals July 1, 2027.
The act appropriates $5 million from the general fund to the department for the program and for legal services.
APPROVED by Governor June 6, 2023
EFFECTIVE June 6, 2023
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-048 |
The act extends the maximum length of an employment contract between a state system of higher education, or a campus of a state institution of higher education, and an individual who has a non-tenure-track classroom teaching or librarian appointment from 3 years to 5 years.
APPROVED by Governor March 23, 2023
EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-060 |
The act amends consumer protection law regarding ticket sales and resales for events, including adding and amending defined terms.
The act allows an operator to restrict the resale of tickets to events that are initially offered as part of a charitable event for a charitable purpose. The act requires an operator, primary ticket seller, reseller, or ticket resale marketplace to refund a ticket to the purchaser in certain instances, such as when an event is cancelled. The act prohibits an operator, primary ticket seller, or rights holder from revoking tickets merely because those tickets have been resold through a reseller or ticket resale marketplace; however, an operator may still revoke or restrict tickets for a violation of venue policies, to protect the safety of patrons, or to address fraud or misconduct.
The act specifies that a person engages in deceptive trade practices when, in the course of the person's business, vocation, or occupation, the person:
The act also specifies civil penalties that may be imposed for deceptive trade practices or violations of the consumer protection statute.
VETOED by Governor June 6, 2023
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-066 |
The act extends the advanced industry export acceleration program, which was scheduled to end on January 1, 2025, and the advanced industries acceleration grant program, which was scheduled to end on July 1, 2024, by 10 years. Through March 1, 2023, the state treasurer annually credited to the advanced industries acceleration cash fund an amount equal to one-half of the bioscience and clean technology income tax withholding growth. The act extends this funding mechanism by 2 years.
Additionally, the advanced industry export acceleration program allows a qualifying business that meets certain eligibility criteria to receive an international export development expense reimbursement. The act removes the eligibility criterion that requires a qualifying business to show a profit during the last fiscal year.
APPROVED by Governor May 17, 2023
EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-084 |
To determine if a faculty or teacher at a state or nonprofit institution of higher education (institution) is a full-time employee under the federal public loan forgiveness program (program), the act requires the faculty's or teacher's credit or contact hours to be multiplied by at least 4.35 to determine the number of hours worked. The act directs institutions to either directly certify employment for the program or annually provide employees with partially completed forms to certify their employment. The act allows an institution to apply this calculation going back to October 1, 2007.
APPROVED by Governor March 23, 2023
EFFECTIVE March 23, 2023
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-085 |
The sexual misconduct advisory committee (advisory committee) repeals September 1, 2023. The act implements the department of regulatory agencies' recommendation to continue the advisory committee indefinitely.
APPROVED by Governor April 28, 2023
EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-087 |
As an alternative route to teacher licensure, the act creates a teacher degree apprenticeship program (apprenticeship program). The apprenticeship program builds on elements of current alternative teacher licensure programs, including a bachelor's degree requirement, training programs approved by the state department of education (CDE), and structured on-the-job training. The apprenticeship program is run collaboratively with the United States department of labor office of apprenticeship (DOL office) and the state apprenticeship office (state office) and utilizes apprentice mentor teachers and teacher apprenticeship program sponsors (sponsor).
The act allows CDE to issue a teacher apprenticeship authorization (authorization) to a person (apprentice) who is employed by a school district, board of cooperative services, charter school, or institute charter school (school) who is actively registered in an apprenticeship program, and who is actively enrolled in an affiliated bachelor's degree program from an accredited institution. The authorization is valid for 4 years while the apprentice completes the bachelor's degree requirement of the program. CDE may renew the authorization for up to 2 successive terms, in increments of 2 years, as necessary for the apprentice to fulfill the apprenticeship requirements. An authorization is invalid if the apprentice withdraws from any part of the apprenticeship program or fails to make satisfactory progress.
Upon application from an entity with expertise in apprenticeship or teacher preparation, CDE shall authorize the entity to serve as a sponsor. Applications to serve as a sponsor must include a proposed work process schedule and related instruction plan required by the DOL office and state office. CDE shall review each application and approve or disapprove the sponsor. If approved, the sponsor may apply to CDE for approval of an apprenticeship program.
An apprenticeship program must meet the following criteria:
Every 5 years after apprenticeship program approval, CDE shall consult with the DOL office or state office concerning the federally required audit of the apprenticeship program to ensure the apprenticeship program continues to meet requirements.
The state board of education is authorized to promulgate rules for the implementation of the apprenticeship program.
For the 2023-24 state fiscal year, $116,134 is appropriated from the general fund to the department of education.
For the 2023-24 state fiscal year, $26,435 is appropriated to the department of law from reappropriated funds received from the department of education. The department of law may use this appropriation to provide legal services for the department of education.
APPROVED by Governor May 15, 2023
EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-093 |
The act:
APPROVED by Governor May 4, 2023
EFFECTIVE May 4, 2023
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-096 |
The act adds information to the department of higher education's current annual reporting requirement as it relates to Colorado scholars.
Current law limits the number of Colorado scholars that each institution counts in an academic year to 8% of the total number of in-state students. The act increases that limit to 15%.
The act requires a peace corps volunteer to be classified as an in-state student for tuition purposes if the student was certified by the director of the peace corps as having served satisfactorily as a peace corps volunteer. A peace corps volunteer who is classified as an in-state student must not be counted as a resident student for any purpose other than tuition classification.
APPROVED by Governor April 11, 2023
EFFECTIVE April 11, 2023
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-111 |
The "National Labor Relations Act" does not apply to federal, state, or local governments and the "Colorado Labor Peace Act" excludes governmental entities, with an exception for mass transportation systems, which means that these labor laws do not cover most public employees. The act grants certain public employees, including individuals employed by counties, municipalities, fire authorities, school districts, charter schools, public colleges and universities, library districts, special districts, public defender's offices, the university of Colorado hospital authority, the Denver health and hospital authority, the general assembly, and a board of cooperative services, the right to:
However, a public employer that has a nonpartisan role may limit the right of an employee to fully participate in the political process while off duty and not in uniform to the extent necessary to maintain the nonpartisan role of the employer.
The act also prohibits certain public employers from discriminating against, coercing, intimidating, interfering with, or imposing reprisals against a public employee for engaging in any of the rights granted.
The division of labor standards within the Colorado department of labor and employment (division) is charged with enforcing any alleged violation of these rights and is granted rule-making authority. A party may appeal the department's final decision to the Colorado court of appeals. The act requires the court of appeals to give deference to the final decision of the department.
For the 2023-24 state fiscal year, $151,751 is appropriated to the department of labor and employment for use by the division and for the purchase of legal services as needed to implement the act.
APPROVED by Governor June 6, 2023
PORTIONS EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023
PORTIONS EFFECTIVE July 1, 2024
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and portions of it take effect 90 days after sine die.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-149 |
The act creates the youth mentorship assistance grant pilot program (program) in the Colorado opportunity scholarship initiative within the department of higher education (department). The program provides financial assistance for the cost of attendance at a public higher education institution to students who provide mentorship services to an approved youth mentorship organization. The act requires the Colorado opportunity scholarship initiative advisory board to select approved youth mentorship organizations to participate in the program and administer the program.
The act requires each approved youth mentorship organization to submit an annual report to the department, and the department to submit an annual report to the education committees of the senate and house of representatives, concerning the program.
For the 2023-24 state fiscal year, $100,000 is appropriated from the general fund to the department for use by the Colorado opportunity scholarship initiative advisory board to implement the act.
APPROVED by Governor June 6, 2023
EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-167 |
Starting July 1, 2024, the act authorizes individuals who have a midwife certification from the American Midwifery Certification Board, pay the required fee, and submit to a criminal history record check to obtain a license from the state board of nursing (board) to practice as a certified midwife in the state. A certified midwife licensed by the board may apply for and obtain provisional and full prescriptive authority upon satisfying the requirements specified in the act. Certified midwives are subject to regulation by the board to the same extent that the board regulates the practice of nursing, including grounds for discipline and disciplinary actions. Effective July 1, 2024, the act adds a member to the state board of nursing who is a certified midwife or an advanced practice registered nurse who is a certified nurse midwife.
The act appropriates $15,393 from the general fund to the department of public health and environment for use by the health facilities and emergency medical services division for administration and operations necessitated by the act.
APPROVED by Governor May 25, 2023
PORTIONS EFFECTIVE May 25, 2023
PORTIONS EFFECTIVE July 1, 2024
NOTE: Section 69 of the act states that the act takes effect upon passage; except that, section 12-255-105, Colorado Revised Statues, as amended in section 3 of the act, takes effect July 1, 2024.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-170 |
The act repeals and reenacts the statutory article related to extreme risk protection orders.
Under current law a family or household member and a law enforcement officer or agency can petition for an extreme risk protection order. The act expands the list of who can petition for an extreme risk protection order to include licensed medical care providers, licensed mental health-care providers, licensed educators, and district attorneys.
The act requires the office of gun violence prevention to expend funds annually on a public education campaign regarding the availability of, and the process for requesting, an extreme risk protection order.
The act appropriates:
APPROVED by Governor April 28, 2023
EFFECTIVE April 28, 2023
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-171 |
Failure by an entertainment facility to comply with the requirement for designating and enforcing 4% or more substance-free seating is deemed "good cause" for refusal or denial of an alcohol beverage license renewal or initial license issuance by the state licensing authority as part of the existing regulatory scheme for such licenses. Failure to comply is also a basis for other license-related discipline, including suspension, revocation, or fine.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)
| BILL SB23-172 |
For purposes of addressing discriminatory or unfair employment practices pursuant to Colorado's anti-discrimination laws, the act enacts the "Protecting Opportunities and Workers' Rights (POWR) Act", which:
The act appropriates a total of $1,248,170 from the general fund for the 2023-24 state fiscal year, allocated as follows to the following state departments and offices, to implement the act:
Additionally, $88,008 is appropriated from the state highway fund to the department of transportation to implement the act.
APPROVED by Governor June 6, 2023
EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-188 |
The act requires contracts between insurers or other persons and health-care providers regarding the delivery of health-care services to include a provision that prohibits the following actions if the actions are based solely on the health-care provider's provision of, or assistance in the provision of, reproductive health care or gender-affirming health-care services (legally protected health-care activity) in this state, so long as the care provided did not violate Colorado law:
Section 5 of the act protects an individual applying for licensure, certification, or registration in a health-care-related profession or occupation in Colorado (applicant), as well as a health-care professional currently licensed, certified, or registered in Colorado (licensee), from having the license, certification, or registration denied or discipline imposed against the licensee based solely on:
Section 6 of the act prohibits a court, judicial officer, court employee, or attorney from issuing a subpoena in connection with a proceeding in another state concerning an individual who accesses a legally protected health-care activity in Colorado or an individual who performs, assists, or aids in the performance of a legally protected health-care activity in Colorado.
Section 7 of the act prohibits the state from applying another state's law to a case or controversy heard in Colorado state court or giving any force or effect to any judgment issued without personal jurisdiction or due process or to any judgment that is penal in nature pursuant to another state's law if the other state's law authorizes a person to bring a civil action against another person or entity for engaging or attempting to engage in a legally protected health-care activity.
If a medical malpractice action is brought in this state against a health-care provider regulated in this state or another state, section 8 of the act prohibits a court or arbitrator from allowing evidence or witness testimony relating to professional discipline or criminal or civil charges in this state or another state concerning the provision of, or assistance in the provision of, a legally protected health-care activity, so long as the care provided did not violate Colorado law.
Section 9 of the act prohibits a peace officer from knowingly arresting or participating in the arrest of any person who engages in a legally protected health-care activity, unless the acts forming the basis for the arrest constitute a criminal offense in Colorado or violate Colorado law.
Section 10 of the act prohibits the issuance of a search warrant to search for and seize any property that relates to an investigation into a legally protected health-care activity.
Section 11 of the act prohibits a judge from issuing a summons in a case when a prosecution is pending, or when a grand jury investigation has started or is about to start, for a criminal violation of another state's law involving the provision or receipt of or assistance with accessing a legally protected health-care activity that is legal in Colorado, unless the acts forming the basis of the prosecution or investigation would also constitute a criminal offense in Colorado.
Section 12 of the act prohibits the issuance of an ex parte order for wiretapping or eavesdropping to obtain any wire, oral, or electronic communication that relates to an investigation into a legally protected health-care activity.
Current law allows for the extradition of a person who committed an act in this state that intentionally results in a crime in the state whose executive authority is making the demand, even though the accused was not in the demanding state at the time of the commission of the crime. Section 13 of the act requires the acts for which extradition is sought to be punishable by the laws of this state if the acts occurred in this state and prohibits the governor from surrendering a person charged in another state as a result of the person engaging in a legally protected health-care activity, unless the executive authority of the demanding state alleges in writing that the accused was physically present in the demanding state at the time of the commission of the alleged offense.
Section 14 of the act requires a correctional facility or private contract prison incarcerating a person who is capable of pregnancy to, regardless of the person's ability to pay, ensure access to abortions by providing a pregnant person with information about abortion providers; referrals to community-based providers of abortions; referrals to community-based organizations that help people pay for abortions; and transportation to access an abortion; and ensure access to miscarriage management, including medication.
Section 15 of the act adds a reproductive health-care services worker to the list of protected persons whose personal information may be withheld from the internet if the protected person believes dissemination of such information poses an imminent and serious threat to the protected person or the safety of the protected person's immediate family.
Section 16 of the act prohibits the prosecution or investigation of a licensed health-care provider if the health-care provider prescribes an abortifacient to a patient and the patient ingests the abortifacient in another state so long as the abortifacient is prescribed or administered consistent with accepted standards of practice under Colorado law and does not violate Colorado law.
Section 17 through section 20 of the act adds a protected health-care worker to the list of persons authorized to participate in the address confidentiality program.
Section 21 of the act authorizes the attorney general to independently initiate and bring a civil and criminal action to enforce the "Reproductive Health Equity Act".
Section 22 of the act prohibits a state agency from providing any information or using any government resources in furtherance of any out-of-state investigation or proceeding seeking to impose civil or criminal liability or professional sanction upon a person or entity for engaging in a legally protected health-care activity.
Section 23 of the act prohibits a public entity from:
Section 24 of the act states the venue to enforce an action to under the provisions of the "Reproductive Health Equity Act" is in the Denver district court.
Section 26 and 27 of the act require every local government that has adopted or adopts a zoning ordinance to recognize the provision of outpatient reproductive health care as a permitted use in any zone in which the provision of general outpatient health care is recognized as a permitted use.
APPROVED by Governor April 14, 2023
EFFECTIVE April 14, 2023
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-202 |
The act requires a public school or school district to allow a qualified student to wear and display traditional Native American regalia at a school graduation ceremony and applies to pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, primary school, and secondary school graduation ceremonies.
The act requires public colleges and universities to allow a qualified student to wear and display traditional Native American regalia at a college graduation ceremony.
APPROVED by Governor May 4, 2023
EFFECTIVE May 4, 2023
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-205 |
The act establishes the universal high school scholarship program (program) in the office of economic development (office) to provide scholarships for the 2024-25 academic year to students who pursue an in-demand or high-priority postsecondary pathway, including degrees, certificates, and registered apprenticeships, with a provider on the eligible training provider lists disseminated by the department of labor and employment, a provider in the Colorado state apprenticeship resource directory, a public or private institution of higher education operating in Colorado, or an organization approved by the office (service providers).
The office, or a vendor contracted by the office, administers the program. The office shall develop policies and procedures necessary to administer the program.
A student is eligible for the program if the student graduated from a Colorado high school or was awarded a high school equivalency credential during the 2023-24 academic year; completes the free application for federal student aid or the Colorado application for state financial aid; and did not receive a grant from the Colorado opportunity scholarship initiative.
Scholarships are awarded in the following priority: First, to all eligible students who intend to enroll at a service provider to pursue an in-demand or high-priority postsecondary pathway, then to other eligible students who intend to enroll at a service provider. The office or vendor determines the amount of each scholarship award, up to a maximum $1,500. Scholarship money is distributed to the service provider for use by the student for tuition, fees, and books.
The act requires the office to contract with vendors to provide postsecondary and career advising at schools identified by the office. The office shall make efforts to identify a diversity of schools in rural and urban areas of the state to receive postsecondary advising support.
The act requires the state treasurer to transfer $25 million from the general fund to the universal high school scholarship cash fund (cash fund). The act appropriates $25 million from the cash fund to the office of the governor for the program.
APPROVED by Governor May 16, 2023
EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
| BILL SB23-293 |
The act states that a public or private institution of higher education (institution) may identify, create, solicit, facilitate, and otherwise enable opportunities for a student athlete to earn compensation for the use of the student athlete's name, image, or likeness so long as the institution first acquires the consent of the student athlete. An institution that solicits such an opportunity for a student athlete must inform the student athlete of the solicitation within 72 hours after the solicitation.
The act states that a charitable organization that is not an institution and that is exempt from taxation under federal law may compensate a student athlete for the use of the student athlete's name, image, or likeness.
APPROVED by Governor June 6, 2023
EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023
NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die.
(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)