This memorandum provides an overview of federal, state, and local programs to assist small business owners and employees in Colorado during the economic instability caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19). In order to qualify for assistance programs as a small business, a business must meet certain size standards that vary according to the program. The size standards may include a maximum number of employees and maximum average annual business receipts or revenue.
This memorandum addresses abuse of corpse laws in the 50 states. While the vast majority of states have enacted abuse of corpse or other related laws, they differ in definition and crime classification. For example, some states outline penalties for mutilating or defacing a corpse, while others more broadly define it as "outraging family sensibilities." Over half of the states (29) have classified this crime as a felony instead of a misdemeanor.
This issue brief provides an overview of minors' rights to deny others access to medical records under the Health Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and Colorado state law. It also discusses state law pertaining to the ability of minors to consent to medical care.
This memorandum provides information related to state laws prohibiting price gouging during declared emergencies. According to staff research, Colorado is one of 14 states without a law or administrative rule that prohibits price gouging during declared emergencies. In 2006, the General Assembly passed House bill 06-1251, which would have prohibited price gouging during an emergency; however, the bill was vetoed by Governor Owens.
Cyber attacks on critical infrastructure like the electrical grid are increasing as advanced technology becomes more integrated into how energy systems operate. This issue brief provides an overview of critical infrastructure, discusses a 2019 cyber attack on the U.S. electrical grid, and summarizes state and federal legislation addressing security for critical infrastructure.
This memorandum provides an overview of federal, state, and local programs to assist small business owners and employees in Colorado during the economic instability caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19). In order to qualify for assistance programs as a small business, a business must meet certain size standards that vary according to the program. The size standards may include a maximum number of employees and maximum average annual business receipts or revenue.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted almost every aspect of society, including the criminal justice system, leaving crowded courts, prisons and jails especially susceptible to the outbreak. This memorandum provides an overview of how courts in Colorado are handling this public health emergency.
This memorandum provides a summary of the various Executive Orders and Public Health Orders issued during the declared disaster emergency related to the presence of COVID-19 in Colorado.
This issue brief discusses recent federal guidance related to 1332 state innovation waivers, the required criteria that must be met for approval of a waiver, the components of federal law that can be waived, the application process for a waiver, the monitoring and review process for an approved waiver, and Colorado's recent 1332 state innovation waiver applications.
This memorandum provides a summary of the various Executive Orders and Public Health Orders issued during the declared disaster emergency related to the presence of COVID-19 in Colorado.
In 2019, Colorado enacted House Bill 19-1261, establishing statewide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals. Colorado also enacted Senate Bill 19-096, requiring the Air Quality Control Commission (AQCC) within the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to promulgate rules to collect and report on GHG data and to implement measures to meet these GHG emissions reduction goals. This issue brief provides an overview of AQCC rule making related to these legislative directives.
This memorandum provides a summary of the various Executive Orders and Public Health Orders issued during the declared disaster emergency related to the presence of COVID-19 in Colorado.
Coronavirus (COVID-19) has impacted almost every aspect of society, including the criminal justice system, leaving crowded courts, prisons and jails especially susceptible to the outbreak. This memorandum provides an overview of how prisons in Colorado are reacting to this public health emergency.
This memorandum provides a summary of the various Executive Orders and Public Health Orders issued during the declared disaster emergency related to the presence of COVID-19 in Colorado.
Unemployment insurance (UI) provides temporary, partial wage replacement to workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. The following provides an overview of Colorado's UI program funding structure, an overview of regular UI benefits, and an overview of additional UI benefits under the 2020 federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, also known as the CARES Act.
