Bill > SB018

This bill, effective July 1, 2026, aims to protect the dignity of minors by making court records related to a name change petition filed by someone under eighteen years old a "suppressed court record," meaning these records are only accessible to judges, court staff, parties involved in the case (including their attorneys), authorized judicial department staff, and individuals with specific court authorization. While the court can use these suppressed records for administrative purposes, it is prohibited from publishing the minor's original or new name online. This provision does not apply if the name change is granted under specific circumstances related to good cause, and individuals can still access these suppressed records if they obtain verbal consent from a party to the case and submit an affidavit to the court confirming this consent. Furthermore, for name change petitions filed by or on behalf of a minor, the bill waives the requirement for public notice, and it also allows individuals to retroactively request suppression of name change records filed before July 1, 2026.

Justice

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/SB26-018