HB 21-1060 Summary

• Establishes Colorado state procedures for certifying victims of qualifying criminal activity for federal U nonimmigrant visa (U visa) status under Form I-918, Supplement B.

• Requires certifying agencies (law enforcement, attorneys, courts, labor department, etc.) to process certification requests within 120 days through June 30, 2022, then 90 days thereafter, with expedited 60-day/30-day timelines for requestors in removal proceedings or with family members aging out of eligibility.

• Mandates certification when victim is shown to be a victim of qualifying criminal activity and has not refused or failed to provide reasonable assistance to law enforcement, with language barriers excluded as valid refusals.

• Prohibits certifying agencies from considering factors beyond victim status and helpfulness, and bars disclosure of victims' personal identifying information or immigration status except as required by law.

• Requires certifying agencies to provide denial notifications with detailed written explanations and allows requestors to seek supplemental review or certification from multiple agencies; agencies must report annually to the Division of Criminal Justice on certification requests, approvals, and denials.