HB 23-1119

House Bill 23-1119, titled "Abolishing Abortion in Colorado," aims to ban abortion by defining an unborn child as a person with legal rights from the moment of fertilization. This bill would override any existing state laws and federal court decisions that allow or regulate abortions. If signed into law, it would severely restrict access to abortion services across Colorado. The bill has been signed but its specific procedural status is unclear based on the information provided; typically, once a bill is signed, it becomes law unless there are further legal challenges or vetoes involved.

Official Summary

The bill defines a "person" to include an unborn child at all stages of gestation, from fertilization to natural death, as it relates to a private right of action and current homicide and assault provisions. The bill declares that any existing state law relating to prenatal homicide or assault or regulating abortion or abortion facilities is superseded to the extent it conflicts or is inconsistent with the provisions of the bill. The bill authorizes the state to disregard any federal court decision that purports to enjoin or void this requirement and subjects a Colorado judge to impeachment or removal if the judge purports to enjoin, stay, overrule, or void the requirement.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)