ColoradoLaw Enforcement Whistleblower Protection
What it does
The act creates a civil cause of action for a peace officer if the peace officer reports or discloses conduct that is in violation of, or the peace officer reasonably believes is in violation of, any law or policy and the report or disclosure is a contributing factor in the employer of the peace officer's decision to take adverse employment action against the peace officer. A peace officer may seek the following damages:
More detail
Reinstatement; Back pay with interest; Any other equitable relief the court deems appropriate; Compensatory damages for other pecuniary losses, emotional pain and suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, and other nonpecuniary losses; and Reasonable attorney fees and costs.
The act creates an affirmative defense to the action if the peace officer's employer would have taken the action that forms the basis of the suit against the peace officer based on a legitimate nonretaliatory basis. The action is not subject to the "Colorado Governmental Immunity Act". The statute of limitations to bring the action is 2 years.
The act does not apply to an employee who provides false information or who does not follow internal reporting and administrative procedures related to whistleblower conduct. All law enforcement agencies shall provide a training to employees or a workplace posting, or both, regarding the requirements of the act. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2025
- Jun 3Governor Jared Polis SignedBecame Law
- May 2Sent to the GovernorTo Governor
- May 1Signed by the Speaker of the House
- May 1Signed by the President of the Senate
- Apr 15House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
- Vote recorded REPASS. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded CONCUR. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 14Senate Third Reading Passed - No AmendmentsPassed Senate
- Vote recorded BILL. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 11Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee
- Apr 9Senate Committee on Judiciary Refer Amended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the WholeMinor
- Apr 3Introduced In Senate - Assigned to JudiciaryMinor
- Mar 31House Third Reading Passed - No AmendmentsPassed House
- Vote recorded BILL. Result: pass.Lower
- Mar 28House Third Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments
- Mar 27House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee
- Mar 25House Committee on Judiciary Refer Amended to House Committee of the WholeMinor
- Jan 8Introduced In House - Assigned to JudiciaryIntroduced