Remove Gendered Language from Title 35

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jennifer Bacon and 28 co-sponsors

Replaces gendered terms in Colorado Title 35 with gender-neutral language to modernize wording, preserve substantive law, and affect agencies, licensees, and courts.

Governor Signed

Summary — HB 25-1084: Remove Gendered Language from Title 35

Status: Governor signed (March 26, 2025)
Introduced: January 15, 2025

HB 25-1084 directs the replacement of gendered words and pronouns throughout Title 35 of the Colorado Revised Statutes with gender-neutral language. The bill’s stated purpose is to modernize statutory wording, improve inclusivity and clarity, and remove sex-specific pronouns and job titles while preserving the existing legal meaning and effect of the statutes.

Key provisions

Revises statutory text in Title 35 to substitute gendered terms (e.g., “he,” “she,” “his,” “her,” “chairman”) with gender-neutral alternatives (e.g., “the person,” “they,” “their,” “chair,” or specific office titles).

Updates cross-references and related phrasing to maintain internal consistency within Title 35.

Preserves substantive law: the amendments change wording only and are intended to not alter rights, duties, substantive standards, or enforcement mechanisms contained in Title 35.

Includes standard drafting language (typical in such bills) to clarify that the changes are stylistic and not to be construed to change substantive legal meaning (if present in the bill text).

Who is affected

State agencies, boards, commissions, and officials whose duties or powers are described in Title 35 will see statute language changes.

Regulated entities, licensees and the public will be subject to the same legal obligations and authorities; changes are stylistic and administrative rather than substantive.

Courts and legal practitioners will rely on updated, gender-neutral statutory language for interpretation and citations.

Implementation and impact

Administrative tasks: codification updates, revision of agency forms, rule text, guidance documents, and training materials to reflect neutral language.

Legal impact: minimal substantive effect expected. The main effect is improved clarity and inclusivity in statutory wording; no new rights or obligations are created if the bill’s intent is followed.

Potential short-term transitional issues: agencies and courts may need to align references in regulations, contracts, and precedent citations.

Legislative timeline

Introduced in House (Jan 15, 2025) — Assigned to Agriculture, Water & Natural Resources

Passed House committee and House (Feb 3–6, 2025)

Introduced in Senate/Assigned to Agriculture & Natural Resources (Feb 11, 2025)

Passed Senate committee and both Senate readings (Feb 26–Mar 3, 2025)

Signed by House Speaker (Mar 19, 2025) and Senate President (Mar 20, 2025)

Sent to Governor (Mar 20, 2025); Governor signed (Mar 26, 2025)

Bill