CO SB119

Amends Colorado law to classify parental death as "abandonment" for purposes of determining special immigrant juvenile status eligibility under federal law.

Applies the definition across multiple statutes governing dependency proceedings, guardianship appointments, and determinations for unaccompanied children and youth in federal custody.

Allows courts to establish special immigrant juvenile status findings at any time following petition filing or at hearings, including declarations of dependency and determinations that reunification is not viable.

Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment of the general assembly, or upon voter approval if a referendum petition is filed by November 2024.