HB24-1168: Equal Access to Public Meetings

• Requires state and local public bodies to ensure all public meetings are accessible in real time via live-streamed video or audio that is recorded and accessible to individuals with disabilities, effective July 1, 2025

• Mandates public bodies post meeting documents on their websites at least 24 hours in advance, or as soon as practicable if confidential or unavailable earlier, meeting current accessibility standards

• Requires public bodies allow remote participation via video conferencing platform for public testimony, except in unserved broadband areas where telephone conferencing must be provided as alternative

• Allows public bodies to require auxiliary aid requests up to 7 days before meetings and prohibits them from requesting explanations for accessibility needs

• Establishes that violations constitute disability discrimination under Colorado law, entitling individuals to seek relief; does not require public bodies to provide hardware, software, or internet access at individuals' homes