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House approves changes to Colorado Anti‑Discrimination Act after hours of debate over damages and business impact
Summary
Lawmakers passed House Bill 12‑39, which reorganizes and expands remedies under the Colorado Anti‑Discrimination Act (CADA). The session featured extended debate over civil damages caps, cure periods for businesses and whether the measure will encourage litigation against small businesses.
The Colorado House on March 31 approved House Bill 12‑39, a bill that reorganizes provisions of the Colorado Anti‑Discrimination Act (CADA) and expands the statutory damages available in certain civil actions.
Supporters said the bill fills gaps left by federal court rulings and provides state‑level remedies for people who face discrimination; opponents warned it will lead to more litigation against small businesses and remove opportunities for informal cure.
Representative Speaker Pro Tem Basenecker introduced a third‑reading amendment intended to correct grammatical errors and an amendment later labeled L14 that the House adopted. The machine vote to permit the amendment passed 41 yes, 22 no, 2 excused; the L14 amendment itself was adopted 42 yes, 22 no, 1 excused.
Representative Kelty, opposing the bill, said it would impose “an…
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