HB 24-1291 Summary

• Establishes a licensing framework for Licensed Legal Paraprofessionals (LLPs) through the Colorado Supreme Court, requiring individuals to obtain a license before practicing as an LLP and undergo criminal history background checks.

• Limits LLP scope of practice to domestic relations matters including dissolutions, parental responsibility allocations, child support/maintenance, civil protection orders, name changes, and sex designation changes on birth certificates.

• Prohibits LLPs from practicing in family law matters governed by specific family law articles, immigration matters, or engaging in tasks prohibited by Colorado Supreme Court rules.

• Extends LLP representation rights throughout Colorado court proceedings and allows recovery of reasonable LLP fees in civil actions, paralleling attorney fee provisions across multiple statutes.

• Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment of the general assembly, subject to referendum petition approval.