HB 23-1029

House Bill 23-1029, which has been signed into law in Colorado, stops schools and other organizations from requiring children under the age of majority to get a COVID-19 vaccine without their parent or guardian's consent. It also prevents these entities from penalizing students who choose not to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by excluding them from school activities or charging extra fees. This law affects minors, their parents and guardians, schools, and other organizations that might have vaccination requirements. Since the bill has been signed, it is now enforceable state law in Colorado.

Official Summary

The bill prohibits: Requiring a COVID-19 vaccine for a minor in Colorado; Administering a COVID-19 vaccine to a child without the informed consent of the child's parent or legal guardian; Administering a COVID-19 vaccine to an emancipated minor without the informed consent of the emancipated minor; A school from dismissing, suspending, refusing admission, or refusing to permit participation in an extracurricular activity to a student who has claimed a COVID-19 immunization exemption; A public or private entity from discriminating against a minor participating in a nonpublic home-based educational program based on whether the minor received the COVID-19 vaccine; A public entity from levying a fee, fine, or tax, or a private entity from levying a fine or fee, on a minor or their parent or legal guardian based on whether the minor received the COVID-19 vaccine; or A public or private entity from discriminating against a minor based on whether the minor received a COVID-19 vaccine. The bill allows an aggrieved person to file a civil action and waives sovereign immunity if the violator is a public entity. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)