CO HB1149

Establishes a nine-member Respondent Parents' Counsel Governing Commission by July 1, 2015, appointed by the Colorado Supreme Court with specific composition requirements including at least six attorneys and at least one former respondent parent.

Creates an Office of the Respondent Parents' Counsel within the judicial department by January 1, 2016, to provide uniform, high-quality legal representation for financially disadvantaged parents in dependency and neglect proceedings.

Transfers all existing respondent parent counsel appointments to the new office by July 1, 2016, with the office making all new appointments thereafter.

Requires the commission to appoint a Director with at least five years of attorney experience, full-time commitment, and compensation fixed by the General Assembly.

Appropriates $5,160,432 in general funds for the 2015-16 fiscal year to implement the new office structure, including personal services, trial court programs, and court-appointed counsel costs.