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.

SB21-083

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.