CO SB194

Establishes a domestic relations judicial training advisory committee to develop and oversee a comprehensive training program for judges, magistrates, and court personnel in family law, child development, and mental health issues by March 31, 2024.

Requires the state court administrator to begin providing initial training by July 1, 2024 (maximum 40 hours) and continuing training by July 1, 2025 (maximum 8 hours); training must be available remotely and at no cost to attendees.

Directs chief justice to establish training standards by November 30, 2023, or advisory committee will establish them by December 31, 2023; recommends training cover parenting issues, property division, child support, domestic violence, and judicial administration.

Encourages establishment of dedicated domestic relations dockets in each judicial district staffed by judges and personnel who completed the training; also encourages consideration of candidates with domestic relations litigation experience when appointing replacement judges.

Expands adoption benefits eligibility to include children or youth who have been legally available for adoption within 90 days before the application; advisory committee sunsets September 1, 2027.