On the legislative front, Governor Polis has signed a bill into effect that significantly fortifies anti-discrimination measures in Colorado. The recently enacted HB25-1239 is co-sponsored by Senators Mike Weissman and Lindsey Daugherty, alongside Representatives Yara Zokaie and Andrew Boesenecker, and aims to bolster protections for especially vulnerable populations, including individuals with disabilities.
"People with disabilities should have the same rights to seek damages after experiencing discrimination as any other protected group," Senator Weissman stated, as per Colorado Senate Democrats, addressing the urgent need for this legislation, where Senator Zokaie added that with threats looming from former federal administrations, protecting citizens from discrimination has never been more pressing, "Under threat from the Trump Administration, it’s more important now than ever that we strengthen Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws," said Zokaie.
The law ushers in a new era of accountability, providing victims of discrimination avenues to recover attorney’s fees, costs, and monetary compensation for injustices suffered due to unfair housing practices or civil rights violations, in public accommodation settings, among others. A defendant can reduce their liability for non-economic loss by 50 percent if they rectify the infraction within a month of the complaint, provided they did not knowingly, intentionally, or recklessly cause the violation.
The urgency of such legislation is underscored by the gap that has long existed regarding financial obstacles that deter those wronged from seeking justice, "The cost of hiring an attorney prevents many Coloradans from pursuing justice after facing discrimination," Senator Daugherty noted, as obtained by Colorado Senate Democrats, emphasizing that a clear path forward is essential for those denied housing or public space entry due to their disabilities. Representative Boesenecker further stressed the critical provision that the law extends, addressing the undue deadlines and barriers that have hindered rightful claims for too long. "This law addresses unreasonable deadlines, barriers to financial compensation and other gaps in the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act to strengthen protections for Coloradans who experience discrimination," he explained.
