HB 12-1097 Summary

• Adds definition of "imminent health hazard" to Colorado law as a significant threat to health requiring immediate correction or cessation of operations to prevent injury or illness.

• Allows retail food establishment closures due to imminent health hazards without prior imposition of civil penalties.

• Changes the penalty assessment period from calendar year to rolling 12-month period, with maximum of three civil penalties per establishment.

• Requires civil penalties to be imposed before proceedings can be commenced to suspend or revoke a food establishment license, except in imminent health hazard cases.

• Limits suspension periods to a maximum of six months and prohibits refund of license fees when suspended or revoked.