Senate Bill 24-053: Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study

• Establishes a Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Commission to investigate historical and ongoing discrimination against Black Coloradans tied to state practices, systems, and policies, including effects of slavery and systemic racism.

• Commission consists of 14 members appointed by the Governor, Speaker of the House, and President of the Senate, including experts in economics, history, constitutional law, and community representatives with public service records.

• Study must examine disparities in wealth-building, education, housing, health care, policing, incarceration, and other areas; includes historical research by the State Historical Society and economic analysis by third-party entities to quantify financial impacts of discrimination.

• Commission must submit comprehensive report to the General Assembly and Governor within three years, including findings, recommendations consistent with the Constitution, and proposals for incorporating results into K-12 history standards and public awareness efforts.

• Study is contingent on raising $785,000 in gifts, grants, and donations by June 30, 2025; funding directed to newly created Black Coloradan Racial Equity Study Cash Fund; study provisions sunset July 1, 2025 unless funding threshold met.