HB23-1296 Summary

• Creates a Task Force on the Rights of Coloradans with Disabilities within the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, with members appointed by August 1, 2023, including the Lieutenant Governor, four voting members from disability rights organizations appointed by legislative leaders, and four voting members appointed by the Governor.

• Establishes four subcommittees to study and report findings on: rewriting civil rights statutes for persons with disabilities (initial report due December 1, 2023; final report December 1, 2024); basic access to Colorado outdoors (report due December 1, 2024); affordability and accessibility of housing (report due December 1, 2024); and physical and programmatic accessibility in state and local government (report due December 1, 2024).

• Task Force must submit a final report with recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly by January 30, 2025; may employ 1.5 full-time employees and contract with a vendor for operations; members may receive per diem and expense reimbursement.

• Adds definition of "basic access" or "basic accessibility" as making information, activities, and environments sensible, meaningful, usable, and safe for as many people as possible, constituting public safety issues.

• Appropriates $289,568 from the general fund to the Department of Regulatory Agencies for the Civil Rights Division for fiscal year 2023-24, including $125,595 for personal services (1.5 FTE) and $163,973 for operating expenses; Part 10 repeals effective June 30, 2025.