CO HB1280

Codifies the Colorado Access to Justice Commission into state law with statutory authority in Colorado Revised Statutes Article 5.7, Title 13, after the commission operated since 2003 without formal statutory recognition.

Establishes a commission consisting of 17-20 voting members appointed by the Colorado Bar Association (8-10 members), Chief Justice of Colorado Supreme Court (3-4 members), Governor, Senate President, House Speaker, Colorado Legal Services, Colorado Lawyer Trust Account Foundation, and Legal Aid Foundation of Colorado, plus at least 4 nonvoting ex officio members.

Members serve three-year terms with possibility of two additional reappointments, meet at least quarterly, serve without compensation but receive expense reimbursement, and the chair and vice-chair are selected from commission membership.

Commission mission is to expand access, quality, and fairness in the justice system by identifying barriers to civil justice, examining system problems, bringing together diverse leaders to implement solutions, creating practical tools and services, and advocating for legal and policy changes.

Creates a Colorado Access to Justice Cash Fund funded by General Assembly appropriations and private/public gifts and grants, with money continuously appropriated to the commission to pay staff, contractors, data collection costs, and member expenses, with annual reporting to the Governor and legislature.