CO HB1118

Requires state law enforcement agencies (Colorado State Patrol, Bureau of Investigation, Division of Criminal Justice, Department of Law, sheriff's offices, police departments, and higher education/correctional institutions) to continue issuing photographic identification to retired peace officers who request it, if the agency had such a policy on the bill's effective date.

Eligible retired peace officers must have retired before the agency discontinued its identification policy and must qualify as "qualified retired law enforcement officers" under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 926C).

Requires agencies to conduct criminal background checks through the National Instant Criminal Background Check System and state integrated criminal justice information system before issuing identification; agencies must deny identification if the officer is prohibited from possessing firearms under state or federal law.

Agencies may charge fees not exceeding direct and indirect costs for issuing the identification, and chief administrative officers retain discretion to deny identification to particular officers.

If identification is denied, agencies must provide written notice explaining the reason for denial; bill takes effect August 7, 2013, subject to potential referendum.