Colorado § 18-8-101 - Definitions.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-101 — Definitions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 18-8-101. Definitions.
As used in this article 8, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1) "Government" has the same meaning as described in section 18-1-901 (3)(i).
(2) "Governmental function" has the same meaning as described in section 18-1-901 (3)(j).
(2.5) "Peace officer" has the same meaning as described in section 16-2.5-101, C.R.S.
(2.7) "Public safety emergency call center" means any public entity that provides emergency response services to the public, including, but not limited to, 911 dispatch centers.
(2.8) "Public safety entity" means a law enforcement agency, fire department, fire district, emergency medical services provider, or any other public organization responsible for public safety.
(3) "Public servant" has the same meaning as described in section 18-1-901 (3)(o).
(4) "Shelter-in-place order" means an official order or direction from government officials to the occupants of a building to seek shelter from an external threat in the building or a safe structure.
Source: L. 71: R&RE, p. 453, § 1. C.R.S. 1963: § 40-8-101. L. 92: Entire section amended, p. 405, § 19, effective June 3. L. 2003: (2.5) added, p. 1628, § 63, effective August 6. L. 2023: IP amended and (4) added, (SB 23-249), ch. 418, p. 2469, § 1, effective June 7. L. 2025: (2.7) and (2.8) added, (SB 25-060), ch. 74, p. 318, § 1, effective October 1.
Editor's note: Subsection (2.5) was originally enacted as subsection (4) but was renumbered on revision for ease of location.
ANNOTATION
Corporation or a corporate body is not included in the definition of "government". Bailey v. People, 200 Colo. 549, 617 P.2d 549 (1980).
Employee of the Colorado Springs urban renewal effort is not a "public servant" performing a "governmental function" on behalf of a "government" as defined in this section. Bailey v. People, 200 Colo. 549, 617 P.2d 549 (1980).
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 18-8-101
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-101 cover?
Section 18-8-101 ("Definitions.") 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 § 18-8-101?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 18-8-101" (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 § 18-8-101 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
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