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House approves bill tightening consent safeguards for sterilization of people with intellectual disabilities
Summary
House Bill 1040 passed on third reading after floor debate that framed the bill as strengthening protections for vulnerable adults while prompting questions about consistency with other policies; the measure passed on final passage by roll call.
The Colorado House on Feb. 11 adopted House Bill 1040 on third reading, a measure intended to strengthen consent protections before irreversible sterilization procedures for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Supporters on the floor described the bill as a corrective to a history of forced sterilization and as an affirmation of consent rights for people with disabilities. “By repealing this, by making sure that we are encouraging and that we are supporting and we are valuing consent,” a floor supporter said, urging colleagues to back the bill.
Rep. Bradley, while voting for the bill, urged consistency across the Legislature’s approach to medical consent: she said the body should apply the same protective standard consistently and cautioned against perceived hypocrisy if other measures affecting minors or medical consent are treated differently. Rep. Bottoms described the provision as “extremely difficult” but necessary to protect people unable to give fully informed consent.
The clerk opened the machine for the vote; the floor record shows 65 yes, 0 no, 0 excused and the Speaker announced HB1040 adopted. Members noted a conforming amendment concern related to organ transplant language and suggested working that language out in the Senate so protections are consistent across statutes.
