CO HB1172

Eliminates punitive damage awards in employment discrimination cases filed under Colorado state law by repealing the provisions that allowed such awards.

Allows plaintiffs to recover only compensatory damages in intentional employment discrimination cases, with amounts capped at federal law limits under 42 U.S.C. sec. 1981a(b)(3).

Removes exceptions that previously permitted punitive damages for employers with good-faith compliance efforts and for disability accommodation cases.

Takes effect upon passage and applies to causes of action alleging discriminatory or unfair employment practices accruing on or after the effective date.

Maintains compensatory damages availability while restricting recovery to damages such as back pay, front pay, and interest, which remain available under existing law.