HB 25-1031: Law Enforcement Whistleblower Protection

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

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: 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.)

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 49 · Republican 11

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. June 3, 2025Governor Signed
2. May 2, 2025Sent to the Governor
3. May 1, 2025Signed by the Speaker of the House
4. May 1, 2025Signed by the President of the Senate
5. April 15, 2025House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass
6. April 14, 2025Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
7. April 11, 2025Senate Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee
8. April 9, 2025Senate Committee on Judiciary Refer Amended - Consent Calendar to Senate Committee of the Whole
9. April 3, 2025Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Judiciary
10. March 31, 2025House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments
11. March 28, 2025House Third Reading Laid Over Daily - No Amendments
12. March 27, 2025House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee

Showing 12 most recent of 14 actions. Full history