These 6 bills aim to improve disability rights in Colorado. Here's where they stand.

Natasha Lovato, Fort Collins Coloradoan
Updated ·3 min read
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Although the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law over 30 years ago, increased accessibility is an ongoing need throughout Colorado.

Democratic Rep. David Ortiz of Littleton said since he took office in 2021 as the first Colorado legislator to use a wheelchair, he has run 21 bills regarding disability rights and also made accessibility changes within the state Capitol.

More: How Colorado's first legislator to use a wheelchair has highlighted accessibility gaps

Here are six bills regarding disability rights Ortiz has sponsored so far in 2024:

  • HB24-1067 — Ballot Access for Candidates with Disabilities: The bill was signed into law by Gov. Jared Polis on April 4. It requires the General Assembly, the secretary of state and each political party to ensure an accessible caucus. The bill specifies that the petition process is not a means of ballot access that is accessible to persons with disabilities, and it also requires that any person, upon request, must be able to participate in a precinct caucus or a party assembly with the use of a video conferencing platform or telephone conference platform if the geographic location of the gathering lacks broadband access.

  • HB24-1360 — Colorado Disability Opportunity Office: This bill is under consideration in the House. If signed into law, it would create the Colorado Disability Opportunity Office within the Department of Labor and Employment as a Title I division, which would require the department to implement statewide strategies that work toward enhanced accessibility.

  • HB24-1318 — Modify Rental Premises Person with Disability: Under current law, it is unlawful for a person to discriminate against a renter because the renter has a disability. Discrimination includes a refusal to permit reasonable modifications of existing premises occupied or to be occupied by an individual with a disability if the modifications are necessary to afford the individual with full enjoyment of the premises.

    This bill was passed in both the House and Senate. If Polis signs the bill, it will remove the provision that allows a landlord to require that the renter remove the modification features.

  • HB24-1165 — Denver Airport Accessibility: Currently under consideration in the House, the bill imposes a set of duties on the Denver International Airport by requiring accessibility-related functions at DIA including adult changing stations. The bill would also allow for the creation of a portal where violations can be reported.

  • HB24-1161 — Motor Vehicle Access Individuals with Disabilities: This bill is currently under consideration in the House and would require car-sharing programs to indicate the car's accessibility modifications. It would also require that the Energy Code Board include accessibility requirements related to electric vehicles that consider design recommendations and that no fewer than one electric vehicle charging station should incorporate accessibility standards. The bill will also clarify that an individual cannot block access to reserved parking, curb ramps, access aisles or accessible routes by any means. It would require a parking enforcement officer to investigate a complaint that accessible parking has been blocked within a reasonable timeframe.

  • HB24-1268 — Financial Assistance for Certain Low-Income Individuals: The bill changes the Property Tax/Rent/Heat Credit Rebate to qualifying seniors and individuals with a disability who earn income below a threshold amount and who pay property tax, or a tax equivalent through rent, heat or fuel expenses. This bill is currently under consideration in the House.

The Disability Rights Movement started in Colorado

One of the foundational protests that ignited the Disability Rights Movement took place July 5-6, 1978, just around the corner from the Denver Public Library at Colfax and Broadway. A group of people with disabilities known as “The Gang of 19” blocked the intersection all day and night, chanting their mantra, “We will ride!” until representatives of the Regional Transportation District were willing to talk about the absence of wheelchair-accessible buses, according to a historical account on the Denver Public Library website.

It was this initial protest that brought public light to the discrimination faced by those with disabilities, but it wasn't until July 26, 1990, that the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law.

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This article originally appeared on Fort Collins Coloradoan: These 6 bills aim to improve disability rights in Colorado