HB 16-1191 Summary

• Creates the "Colorado Right to Rest Act" establishing basic rights for persons experiencing homelessness, including use of public spaces, resting, eating, occupying legally parked vehicles, and privacy of personal property without discrimination based on housing status

• Prohibits state and local governments from enacting or enforcing laws that limit, prohibit, or penalize these activities; requires cessation of enforcement of existing such laws upon the act's effective date

• Defines key terms including "person experiencing homelessness," "public space," "harassment," and "discrimination based on housing status," with protections against criminal/civil sanctions and harassment by law enforcement, security personnel, or district agents

• Clarifies that the act does not obligate service providers to supply shelter or services when unavailable or when provider policies disqualify individuals from receiving services

• Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment of the general assembly (August 10, 2016) unless subject to a referendum petition, in which case it requires voter approval at the November 2016 general election