HB 26-1023

House Bill 26-1023 in Colorado ensures that political parties must provide video conferencing or other alternative ways for eligible voters with disabilities to participate in precinct caucuses and party assemblies. If a political party fails to meet these requirements, only the central committee of that party can be sued, not individual members or volunteers. The bill also allows courts to order compliance and impose fines of up to $3,500 per violation if necessary. Since it has been signed into law, this legislation is now enforceable and will impact how political parties in Colorado handle accessibility for their events.

Official Summary

Under current law, a political party must ensure that any person, upon request, is able to participate in a precinct caucus or a party assembly with the use of a video conferencing platform or alternative means of participation. The failure of any political party to make a reasonable effort to comply with these accessibility requirements constitutes discrimination on the basis of disability in a place of public accommodation.     The act clarifies that only a person who is otherwise eligible pursuant to statute to participate in a precinct caucus or a party assembly may request video conferencing or another alternative means of participation. The act also clarifies that a person who is subjected to a violation of a political party's duties regarding these accessibility requirements may file suit only against the central committee of the political party holding the caucus or assembly. An individual, including a member of the central committee of the political party or a volunteer for a political party, may not be held liable for a violation of these accessibility requirements. Upon a finding of a violation of these accessibility requirements, a court may require compliance with the applicable accessibility requirement and either actual monetary damages or a statutory fine of $3,500 for each violation.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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