Signed! Bill to improve basic access for Coloradans with disabilities


DENVER, CO – Governor Jared Polis today signed two bills that will improve fundamental access for Coloradans with disabilities: HB24-1360 creates the Colorado Office of Disability Opportunity (CDOO), and HB24-1161 increases accessibility to new electric vehicle charging stations and car-sharing programs.

“Despite 34 years of the federal ADA being the law, access to housing, employment, participation in government and outdoor activities remains limited,” said Rep. David Ortiz, Democrat of Littleton, sponsor of HB24-1360 and HB24-1161. “These important new laws will remove barriers to vehicle travel, streamline employment opportunities and improve basic access for Coloradans with disabilities. Universal design hurts no one and helps everyone. As I close out my term in the Legislature, I’m proud of our work to shine a light on the everyday barriers people with life disabilities face and lay the foundation for a more accessible and equitable Colorado.”

“People with disabilities experience disproportionately higher rates of poverty and unemployment, and Colorado must provide resources to eliminate these barriers,” said Rep. Chad Clifford (D-Centennial), sponsor of HB24-1360. “Establishing the Colorado Office of Disability Opportunity will give Coloradans easier access to good-paying jobs and education, giving them a fair chance to build a strong future that is uniquely theirs. I am proud to work with Rep. Ortiz to advance this bill, as it prioritizes representation, advocacy, and a commitment to success for all.”

HB24-1360, signed into law today, will create a new office within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment whose goal will be to implement a statewide strategy to promote economic stability and successful economic, social and community integration for people with disabilities.

Another bill signed into law today, HB24-1161, will require new electric vehicle charging stations to incorporate federal accessible design recommendations in at least 5% of the charging spaces or one space, beginning January 1, 2026. HB24-1161 strengthens prohibitions on blocking access to ADA parking spaces, curb ramps and access pathways, and on piling snow on such parking spaces.

In addition, the new law will allow owners of vehicles participating in car-sharing programs to indicate whether and how their vehicles have been modified to make them accessible to people with disabilities.

Congressman Ortiz has been a longtime advocate for disability rights in the Colorado Legislature. He has led the passage of multiple bills ensuring Coloradoans with disabilities have access to legal remedies when discriminated against, expanded the Youth Prosthetic and Orthotics Compensation Act, established the Colorado Disability Rights Task Force, and pioneered two right-to-repair laws for wheelchair users.



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