HB 24-1039

HB 24-1039, also known as the Non-Legal Name Changes bill, requires Colorado schools to address students by their chosen names and use these names during school activities. It prohibits discrimination against students who choose a name different from what is legally recorded, allowing them to report any refusal or avoidance of using their chosen name to the school or federal authorities. Schools must also create policies that support honoring students' requests for their preferred names. This bill was signed into law on April 29, 2024 and became effective immediately on the same day.

Official Summary

The act requires school personnel to address a student by the student's chosen name and to use the student's chosen name in school and during extracurricular activities. The act deems it discriminatory to knowingly or intentionally use a name other than the student's chosen name or knowingly or intentionally avoiding or refusing to use a student's chosen name, unless done at the request of the student. The act allows a student who is subject to discrimination as a result of a failure or refusal to address the student by the student's chosen name to file a report with the school or a federal civil rights complaint. The act requires a school to implement a written policy outlining how the school will honor a student's request to use a chosen name. APPROVED by Governor April 29, 2024 EFFECTIVE April 29, 2024(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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