CO HB1437

Prohibits municipalities that prosecute domestic violence cases from using flat-fee payment structures for indigent defense services, effective July 1, 2025

Requires municipalities to pay hourly rates equivalent to those paid by the state of Colorado to contract attorneys under the Office of Alternate Defense Counsel and consistent with Chief Justice Directive 04-04

Defines "fixed or flat-fee payment structure" as a fixed fee for specified legal services regardless of time or effort involved, excluding salary-based compensation

Applies only to municipalities that prosecute domestic violence as defined in section 18-6-800.3

May be subject to referendum petition within 90 days after final adjournment; if petitioned, requires voter approval at the November 2024 general election to take effect