SIGNED! Bills to improve basic access for people with disabilities in Colorado

DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis signed two bills today to improve basic access for Coloradoans living with disabilities. HB24-1360 would create the Colorado Office of Disability Opportunities (CDOO). HB24-1161 will make new electric vehicle charging stations and car sharing programs more accessible.

“Despite the fact that the federal ADA has been law for 34 years, housing, jobs, access to participation in government, and the outdoors remain inaccessible.” said rep. David Ortiz, D-Littleton, sponsor of HB24-1360 and HB24-1161. “These important new laws will remove barriers to car travel, simplify employment opportunities and improve basic access for Coloradans living with disabilities. Universal design hurts no one and helps everyone. As I finish my time in the Legislature, I am proud of our efforts to shine a light on the daily barriers that people with disabilities face in life and to lay the foundation for a more accessible and equitable Colorado.”

“People living with disabilities face disproportionately higher rates of poverty and unemployment, which is why Colorado must step up and provide resources to eradicate these barriers.” said Rep. Chad Clifford, D-Centennial, sponsor of HB24-1360. “By creating the Colorado Office of Disability Opportunity, Coloradans will have better access to the high-paying jobs and education they deserve so they have a fair chance to create a future strong, which is theirs. I am proud to move this legislation forward with Representative Ortiz as he prioritizes representation, advocacy and commitment to the success of all.”

HB24-1360signed into law today, will create a new office within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. The purpose of this office is to implement a statewide strategy to facilitate economic stability for persons with disabilities and to promote successful economic, social, and community integration.

Another bill signed today, HB24-1161would require new electric vehicle charging stations to incorporate federal accessible design recommendations for at least five percent of the charging bays or a space beginning January 1, 2026. HB24-1161 would strengthen the ban on blocking access to charging bays ADA parking, curb ramps, and driveways, including the use of such parking space to pile snow.

In addition, the new law will allow owners of a vehicle in a car-sharing program to indicate whether their vehicle has been modified to be accessible to people with disabilities and what modifications have been made.

Rep. Ortiz has been a longtime champion of disability rights at the Colorado State Capitol. He led the charge in passing several bills to ensure that people with disabilities in Colorado have the opportunity to seek legal recourse if they are discriminated against, expanding the youth prosthetic coverage law, creating the Human Rights Task Force disabled from Colorado and opening two market rights. – repair laws for wheelchair users.