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ColoradoHB26-13432026 Regular SessionHouse

Electronic Process in Competency & Administrative Hearings

Sponsored By: Chad Clifford (Democratic), Janice Marchman (Democratic), Tisha Mauro (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Courts & JudicialHuman ServicesState Government

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Electronic filing for defendants' competency evaluations

Colorado's competency evaluation department must accept electronic orders when the parties communicate with the court electronically and the court issues its order electronically. Courts must allow electronic evaluation submissions when the order reaches the department through an electronic filing system. Evaluators must send written reports electronically to the court clerk within 14 days after finishing meetings or attempts to meet with defendants. The clerk must share reports with prosecutors, defense lawyers, and the bridges court liaison through electronic filing. Evaluations must be outpatient unless defendants cannot post bond or are in custody; then evaluations occur where they are held. In-custody evaluations must start as soon as practical after the order arrives. Completion deadlines are 21 days in custody and 42 days outside custody, measured from receipt of the order and supporting materials. Courts can extend these deadlines for good cause. For defendants found competent, the department may return them to county jail or the community based on bond status. For defendants found incompetent, electronic notice to the court and bridges court liaison is required when inpatient treatment to restore competency is clinically inappropriate and community outpatient services are available. The department must coordinate discharge and community treatment plans with a community restoration provider. The court must hold a hearing within seven days of notice and may issue custody and bond orders. The department must tell the defendant the hearing date and time. When a defendant returns to county jail, the sheriff must take custody within 72 hours of notification. The department must also notify the court and liaison about the return. For state budget year 2026–27, the law provides $26,296 from the Judicial Department Information Technology Cash Fund to State Courts Administration. The money can fund technology infrastructure needed to carry out the law; it is not a household payment. The law takes effect at 12:01 a.m. after the 90-day period following final legislative adjournment ends. That date is August 12, 2026, if final adjournment occurs May 13, 2026. A referendum petition filed within that period delays the challenged law or portions until voter approval in November 2026. In that case, they take effect on the date of the governor's official declaration of the vote.

Electronic agency notices carry answer deadlines

Colorado agencies can send hearing notices electronically with the recipient's documented request or consent. First-class mail to the person's last provided address remains an option. Recipients must file a written answer within 30 days after service, electronic delivery, or mailing. Missing that deadline allows the agency, administrative law judge, or hearing officer to enter a default. A default can be set aside for good cause within 10 days after entry. Final agency decisions and initial decisions can also be served electronically with the party's documented request or consent. Personal service and first-class mail remain available. Electronic service counts as mailing when determining when a decision takes effect. A mailed or electronically served decision takes effect on its mailing or electronic service date, unless it states a later date. These changes follow the law's effective-date and referendum rules described above.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Chad Clifford

    Democratic • House

  • Janice Marchman

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tisha Mauro

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Brandi Bradley

    Republican • House

  • Bob Marshall

    Democratic • House

  • Eliza Hamrick

    Democratic • House

  • Jennifer Bacon

    Democratic • House

  • Julie McCluskie

    Democratic • House

  • Jacque Phillips

    Democratic • House

  • Kenny Nguyen

    Democratic • House

  • Monica Duran

    Democratic • House

  • Mandy Lindsay

    Democratic • House

  • Manny Rutinel

    Democratic • House

  • Rebecca Keltie

    Republican • House

  • Ron Weinberg

    Republican • House

  • James Coleman

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 256 • No: 0

House vote • 5/7/2026

Senate amendments: Repass

Yes: 64 • No: 0

House vote • 5/7/2026

Senate amendments: Concur

Yes: 64 • No: 0

Senate vote • 5/4/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 35 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/29/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1343, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 6 • No: 0

House vote • 4/22/2026

Third reading: Bill

Yes: 64 • No: 0

House vote • 4/21/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1343, as amended, to the Committee of the Whole.

Yes: 10 • No: 0

House vote • 4/7/2026

Refer House Bill 26-1343 to the Committee on Appropriations.

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Governor Signed

    6/4/2026House

  2. Signed by the Speaker of the House

    6/3/2026House

  3. Signed by the President of the Senate

    6/3/2026Senate

  4. Sent to the Governor

    6/3/2026House

  5. House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Concur - Repass

    5/7/2026House

  6. House Considered Senate Amendments - Result was to Laid Over Daily

    5/5/2026House

  7. Senate Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    5/4/2026Senate

  8. Senate Second Reading Passed with Amendments - Committee

    5/1/2026Senate

  9. Senate Committee on Judiciary Refer Amended to Senate Committee of the Whole

    4/29/2026Senate

  10. Introduced In Senate - Assigned to Judiciary

    4/27/2026Senate

  11. House Third Reading Passed - No Amendments

    4/22/2026House

  12. House Committee on Appropriations Refer Amended to House Committee of the Whole

    4/21/2026House

  13. House Second Reading Special Order - Passed with Amendments - Committee

    4/21/2026House

  14. House Committee on Health & Human Services Refer Unamended to Appropriations

    4/7/2026House

  15. Introduced In House - Assigned to Health & Human Services

    3/27/2026House

Bill Text

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