Equal Rights Colorado
ERC and the Legislature Acting on LGBT Bills
The Colorado legislature opened its 2009 session on Jan. 7 and things are moving fast and furious! Here is the current status of legislation affecting the GLBT community:
• SB 09-88 is a bill to require the state to offer health insurance benefits to domestic partners of state employees. This would provide the state with a stronger compensation package in order to recruit and retain a talented workforce. It recently passed the Senate and is moving to the House for a committee hearing.
• HB 09-1260 is a bill to create Designated Beneficiary Agreements in Colorado. This arrangement would provide a low cost and easily accessible estate planning mechanism for any two unmarried adults to use to designate one other person to make decisions and have rights under laws about intestacy, medical emergencies, funeral, cremation and burial arrangements and other areas. It recently passed the House and is moving to the Senate for a committee hearing.
• SB 09-110 is about the continuation of the Colorado Civil Rights Division and Commission. These agencies are charged with reviewing and investigating charges under Colorado’s anti-discrimination laws, including the recent additions of protections based on sexual orientation and transgender status. It recently passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and is moving to the Senate floor for a vote.
Continue to stay active and involved by following LGBT issues at the State Capitol. Educate yourself on the current legislation and know how it impacts you and your family. If you have any questions, contact Mindy Barton, Legal Director, 303-733-7743, ext.105 or mbarton@glbtcolorado.org.
OUR MISSION: Equal Rights Colorado promotes equal rights for Colorado's GLBT people and their families through non-partisan state legislative advocacy.