SB 23-251

Senate Bill 23-251 changes how driver's license appeals are handled in Colorado. Instead of local district attorneys, the state attorney general will represent the Department of Revenue when people appeal decisions about their licenses being denied, canceled, suspended, or revoked. This change starts on specific dates for different areas of the state and allows the attorney general to participate remotely via phone or video calls. The bill also allocates money from the state budget to cover these legal services. Governor Jared Polis signed this bill into law, and it will take effect starting August 7, 2023.

Official Summary

The act changes the legal representative for the department of revenue (department) in driver's license and identification card denial, cancellation, suspension, and revocation appeals. Under existing law, upon request of the attorney general, a district attorney represents the department in such appeals. On and after 3 specified dates that are designated for 3 groups of judicial districts, the act requires the attorney general to represent the department in all such appeals. The attorney general may appear for such an appeal hearing by telephone, video teleconference, or any other court-authorized means of electronic participation. For the 2023-24 state fiscal year, $47,583 is appropriated from the general fund to the department and reappropriated to the department of law for legal services to be provided to the department in connection with the implementation of the act. APPROVED by Governor June 5, 2023 EFFECTIVE August 7, 2023 NOTE: This act was passed without a safety clause and takes effect 90 days after sine die. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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