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.
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.
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.
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 presents information on emergency fiscal provisions in Article X, Section 20, of the Colorado Constitution (TABOR). Specifically, it discusses the emergency reserve and emergency taxation provisions contained in subsections (5)and (6) of TABOR, respectively.
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.
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.
This memorandum provides an update on leading economic indicators to inform the General Assembly about the ongoing state of the Colorado and U.S. economies. Select indicators for business activity, employment, consumer activity, and energy activity are provided. Data for June and early July suggest an ongoing recovery from the COVID-19-related recession. However, economic activity remains well below pre-pandemic levels, and the impacts of the pandemic on leisure and hospitality industries remain significant.
Colorado's Adult Protective Services (APS) system, first established in 1983, protects at-risk adults who, because of mental or physical ability, are unable to obtain services or other wise protect their own health, safety, and welfare.
This memorandum provides a listing of criminal justice reform bills passed in Colorado over the past several years. More specifically, the attached table provides the bill number, title, and description of the criminal justice reform legislation. Please note that this listing only highlights legislation that is typically considered to be reformative in nature, in that it aims to fix or improve upon perceived errors or current practices in the criminal justice system.
This memorandum describes how some states find new ways to share cybersecurity knowledge and resources with their local governments to improve the state's overall cybersecurity posture.
In the midst of school closures across the state due to the COVID-19 outbreak, schools and state agencies are working to ensure that K-12 students continue to receive academic support. Legislative Council Staff is committed to providing members of the Colorado General Assembly and other stakeholders with resources on K-12 education matters that are essential to guiding and understanding state action, and supporting parents in ensuring their children's educational success during this time. This memorandum has been published to share resources created by state and national organizations focused on K-12 education, and will be updated as more resources become available.
As the situation regarding coronavirus (COVID-19) rapidly changes, unique cyber risks are emerging for government, businesses, and individuals. This memorandum provides an overview of cybersecurity, the current threat landscape as a result of COVID-19, and provides information about COVID-19 cybersecurity resources.
