Colorado § 2-2-802 - People first language in state laws.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 2-2-802 — People first language in state laws., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 2-2-802. People first language in state laws.
(1) On or after August 11, 2010, all new or amended statutes that refer to persons with disabilities must:
(a) Avoid language that:
(I) Implies that a person as a whole is disabled, such as the "mentally ill" or the "learning disabled"; or
(II) Equates persons with their condition, such as "epileptics", "autistics", or "quadriplegics";
(b) Replace disrespectful language by referring to persons with disabilities as persons first. Examples of people first language include, but are not limited to, the following: Persons with disabilities, persons with developmental and intellectual disabilities, persons with behavioral or mental health disorders, and persons with autism.
(c) Replace disrespectful, insensitive, or outdated terms such as "mental retardation" with people first language such as "people with developmental and intellectual disabilities".
(2) Violation of this section shall not be grounds to invalidate any new or amended statute; however, such statutes shall be amended to reflect the provisions of this section in any subsequent revision.
(3) Nothing in this section shall constitute a requirement to change the name of any department, agency, or program of the state or any political subdivision of the state.
(4) The revisor of statutes is authorized to change any disrespectful, insensitive, or outdated terms that appear in the Colorado Revised Statutes and to replace such terms with people first language in accordance with this section.
Source: L. 2010: Entire section added, (HB 10-1137), ch. 93, p. 319, § 1, effective August 11. L. 2017: IP(1), (1)(b), and (1)(c) amended, (SB 17-242), ch. 263, p. 1262, § 30, effective May 25.
Cross references: For the legislative declaration in SB 17-242, see section 1 of chapter 263, Session Laws of Colorado 2017.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 2-2-802
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 2-2-802 cover?
Section 2-2-802 ("People first language in state laws.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 2-2-802?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 2-2-802" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 2-2-802 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.