CO HB1081

Respondents in Colorado civil rights discrimination complaints may request representation by a public defender at any point in the administrative process, regardless of indigent status or criminal charges.

Respondents may request to move discrimination cases to a court of competent jurisdiction if they assert the conduct was based on First Amendment rights.

If a respondent obtains a favorable decision after all appeals are exhausted or if the U.S. Supreme Court rules in their favor, the Colorado Civil Rights Commission must pay the respondent's attorney fees, costs, and lost business income retroactive to appeals filed on or after December 1, 2013.

The division and commission must notify respondents of their right to request public defender representation in all notices served during the discrimination complaint process.

The act applies to conduct occurring on or after the effective date, except attorney fee provisions which apply to appeals filed on or after December 1, 2013.