Representatives Boesenecker and Zokaie, prime sponsors, presented House Bill 25-1239, concerning the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act. The bill sponsors explained the impact and merits of the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding damage cap and the fiscal impact of the bill.

Jack Johnson, representing Disability Law Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ms. Molly Kirkham, representing The Arc of Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Ellen Buckley, representing Colorado Plaintiff Employment Lawyers Association and The Women's Lobby of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.

Committee members asked questions regarding the process by which HB 25-1239 was crafted.

Brendan Fung, Legislative Council Staff, responded to questions regarding the fiscal impact of the bill.

Additional questions were raised regarding damage awards under the bill. Discussion ensued about penalties for false claims and certain exemptions. Committee members raised further points about the fiscal impact of the bill. Additional questions were asked about reducing a defendant's penalties for rapid compliance. Discussion followed regarding frivolous public accommodation lawsuits. Discussion returned to the fiscal impact of the bill.

Andrew Hamrick, representing Colorado Apartment Association, testified to amend the bill. Ms. Heather Stauffer, representing Colorado Municipal League, testified in opposition to the bill. Meghan Dollar, representing Colorado Chamber of Commerce, testified to amend the bill.

Discussion ensued regarding frivolous claims made under anti-discrimination law, and resources available to businesses to help with anti-discrimination law compliance. Discussion followed regarding the time period for making a claim under HB 25-1239, and local impacts.

Megan Wong, representing One Colorado, testified in support of the bill. Nina DiSalvo, representing Towards Justice, testified in support of the bill. Mr. Andrew Montoya, representing Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, testified in support of the bill. Christina Swope, representing themself, testified in support of the bill. Hillary Ping, representing themself, testified in support of the bill.

Discussion ensued about frivolous lawsuits under anti-discrimination laws, and the impact of the bill on housing.

Representatives Zokaie and Boesenecker provided closing remarks in support of HB 25-1239. Various committee members provided their positions on the bill.