Colorado Passed Reasonable Childhood Independence Law in 2022
In 2022, Colorado became the fourth state to pass protections for childhood independence—and passed the law unanimously! Colorado is one of Let Grow’s big victory states!
State Laws And Policies
Criminal Law:
Colorado Revised Statute § 18-6-401 provides that it is a criminal offense to unreasonably place a child in a situation that poses a threat of injury to the child’s life or health. This law remained unchanged and was not addressed in Let Grow’s 2020 and 2022 work.
Juvenile Court | Child Protective Services | Neglect Law:
In 2022 Colorado became the fourth state to pass Reasonable Childhood Independence legislation. The law, which passed unanimously, amends Colorado Rev. Statute § 19-1-103 to make clear that parents can give children independence as long as they are reasonable and prudent. It spells out that children can be independent outdoors, in homes, or in other locations. Here is Colorado Gov. Jared Polis discussing the law with Bill Maher.
Disclaimer:
This webpage is not a legal document, and Let Grow does not take responsibility for the content. Be mindful that some localities have rules and guidelines even when the state does not. When in doubt, consult your local authorities to confirm the laws where you live. What’s more, laws change, as do judicial interpretations of them, and this webpage may not be updated immediately.
We’ve Been Very Successful In Colorado
In the fall of 2022, the Colorado Legislature passed the bill UNANIMOUSLY. Gov. Jared Polis then signed it into law. Watch Gov. Polis and Bill Maher crowing about it!
“We certainly don’t want parents getting in trouble because their kids were playing on the playground,” said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis yesterday. And with that, he signed the “Reasonable Independence for Children” act into law.
