CO HB1063

Establishes parental rights as a fundamental right in Colorado, defined as the right to direct the upbringing, education, and care of a parent's child.

Prohibits the state and its agencies from placing a burden on parental rights unless the burden is necessary to achieve a compelling governmental interest, narrowly tailored to achieve that interest, and uses the least restrictive means possible.

References U.S. Supreme Court precedent including Troxel v. Granville (2000), Pierce v. Society of Sisters (1925), and Meyer v. State of Nebraska (1923) to establish historical recognition of parental rights.

Notes that African-American and Latino children comprise 36.5% of children in foster care despite representing only 28.6% of the child population, attributing the disparity in part to racial bias.

Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment of the general assembly (August 5, 2020) unless subject to a referendum petition, in which case it requires voter approval at the November 2020 general election.