2023 Colorado Revised Statutes › Title 2 - LEGISLATIVE (§§ 2-1-100.5 — 2-7-205) › GENERAL ASSEMBLY (§§ 2-2-101 — 2-2-2309) › Article 2 - General Assembly (§§ 2-2-101 — 2-2-2309) › Part 23 - BLACK COLORADAN RACIAL EQUITY STUDY (§§ 2-2-2301 — 2-2-2309) › Section 2-2-2305 - [Effective 8/7/2024] Black Coloradan racial equity study - historical research

(1)
(a)
As part of the study, the state historical society shall conduct historical research to determine any potential historical and ongoing effects of slavery and subsequent systemic racism on Black Coloradans that may be attributed to practices, systems, and policies of the state. The historical research must focus on and include all of the following, as each may be attributable to state governmental entities, policies, systems, and practices:
(I)
Research on potential historical and ongoing effects of slavery and subsequent systemic racism on Black Coloradans in the following subject areas: Access to asset and wealth building, including residential and commercial loans, capital investments, and grants for businesses; tax policy; K-12 education; postsecondary education, including higher education and workforce training programs; home ownership and access to housing as an owner or tenant; health disparities and access to health care; policing and police brutality; incarceration for crimes; and overall treatment of Black Coloradans and trends in the criminal justice system. The society shall focus its research in the subject areas based on guidance from the commission about specific topics for study within the subject areas.
(II)
Research into the extent state governmental entities' policies, systems, and practices may have contributed to any harm caused to historically impacted Black Coloradans.
(b)
In conducting the historical research, the society may consider and incorporate other research and studies that are relevant to the subject areas described in this subsection (1).
(2)
(a)
The society shall conduct at least two community engagement sessions in different geographic locations in the state for the public to offer input based on lived experience with state governmental entities, policies, systems, and practices that have resulted in systemic racism and discrimination against historically impacted Black Coloradans and their impact on individuals, families, and the community as a whole. Each community engagement session must be held at a time and in a place that the commission determines is sufficient to maximize attendance. The society shall allow members of the public to participate and provide comments in person, remotely, and in writing.
(b)
The society may conduct additional community engagement sessions or engage with the community through interviews and other methods determined by the society.
(3)
The society may enter into an agreement with one or more third-party entities to conduct all or part of the historical research.
(4)
Beginning three months after the effective date of this section, the society shall provide the commission with quarterly updates about the status of the study. The society shall consider the commission's feedback on the updates.
(5)
No later than two years and six months after the effective date of this section, the society shall submit a report to the commission with the results of its historical research conducted pursuant to this section and any recommendations of the society.
Added by 2024 Ch. 368,§ 1, eff. 8/7/2024.
2024 Ch. 368, was passed without a safety clause. See Colo. Const. art. V, § 1(3).