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SB 25-009

Recognition of Tribal Court Orders

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Judy Amabile and 40 co-sponsors

Colorado recognizes and enforces tribal court orders in state courts by registering them and applying protections, custody, and other orders to boost cross-jurisdictional justice.

Governor Signed
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Bill Summary · SB 25-009

SB 25‑009 — Recognition of Tribal Court Orders (Governor Signed)

Overview / Purpose

SB 25‑009, titled “Recognition of Tribal Court Orders,” was introduced in the 2025 legislative session and signed by the Governor on May 5, 2025. The bill’s stated purpose (from its title and legislative context) is to create or clarify a statutory framework under which Colorado state courts will recognize, register, and enforce orders issued by tribal courts. The intent is to improve cross‑jurisdictional enforcement, increase legal reciprocity with tribal governments, and reduce barriers for individuals relying on tribal court orders (for example, in family law, protection orders, child support, or civil judgments).

Note: The full bill text was not provided with the materials you supplied. The summary below describes the bill’s legislative history and the common substantive elements such a bill typically includes. For exact statutory language, consult the enrolled bill.

Legislative history and status

  • Introduced in the Senate: January 8, 2025 (assigned to Judiciary)
  • Passed both chambers (Senate and House) with committees and floor actions during March–April 2025
  • Sent to Governor: April 25, 2025
  • Governor signed into law: May 5, 2025
  • Sponsors: Multiple sponsors and cosponsors across both parties; primary sponsors include Junie Joseph, Dylan Roberts, Ron Weinberg, and Jessie Danielson (others listed as cosponsors).

Likely key provisions (based on the bill title and common practice)

Because the full text is not included here, these describe typical components found in recognition‑of‑tribal‑orders legislation:
- Definitions: Establishes what constitutes a “tribal court order” and identifies qualifying tribal courts.
- Registration process: Provides procedures for registering a tribal court order in state court (documents required, filing procedures, and notice to affected parties).
- Standards for recognition: Sets criteria for recognition (e.g., jurisdiction of issuing tribal court, basic due‑process protections, finality of order).
- Scope of enforceable orders: Specifies types of orders subject to recognition — commonly including protection/restraining orders, child custody and support orders, spousal support, and civil judgments.
- Enforcement mechanisms: Allows state courts to enforce registered tribal orders via contempt, garnishment, or other domestic enforcement tools.
- Exceptions and defenses: Identifies limited grounds for refusing recognition (e.g., lack of jurisdiction, fraud, violation of public policy, or inadequate notice).
- Intergovernmental coordination: Encourages or requires communication and cooperation between state and tribal courts and may establish confidentiality or information‑sharing rules.

Who is affected

  • Tribal governments and tribal courts (their orders gain enforceability in state court)
  • Tribal members and persons subject to tribal orders (e.g., families, victims)
  • Colorado state courts, clerks, and law enforcement (administrative and enforcement responsibilities)
  • Attorneys, child support agencies, and social services that rely on recognized orders

Implementation and next steps

  • The effective date of the law (if different from the signing date) should be confirmed in the enrolled act or session laws.
  • State judiciary and court administrators will need to adopt forms, filing procedures, and staff guidance to implement registration and enforcement processes.
  • Any training or memorandum of understanding between state and tribal courts would facilitate compliance.

For the precise statutory provisions, language, effective date, and any appropriations or rulemaking directives, consult the enrolled bill text or the Colorado General Assembly’s official bill documents.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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