Bill > HB1109

This bill amends Colorado law to establish new guidelines for documenting a deceased person's gender identity on their death certificate. The bill defines "document memorializing the decedent's gender" to include various forms of documentation such as court orders, written instructions from the decedent, health-care directives, proof of clinical gender transition treatment, birth certificate gender markers, and driver's licenses. It defines "gender identity" as an individual's innate sense of gender, which may or may not correspond with their sex assigned at birth, and can be designated as male, female, or "X" (a non-binary option). The bill requires the individual completing the death certificate to record the decedent's gender to reflect their gender identity, using the most recent documentation if multiple documents are presented. If no documentation is provided, the next of kin or most qualified source can provide the gender information. The state registrar is required to issue an amended death certificate reflecting the decedent's gender identity if appropriate documentation is submitted, and the amended certificate will not be marked as amended or indicate any changes. The Department of Public Health and Environment must add a gender field to the death certificate form and electronic death registration system by January 1, 2026. The bill aims to ensure that a person's gender identity is respected and accurately represented on their final legal document.

Health and Social Services, Military Affairs and Security

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb25-1109