Pair of Weissman Bills to Protect Rights of Sexual Violence Survivors Pass Committee

Bills expand housing protections, voluntary parental relinquishment rights for survivors

DENVER, CO – Two bills sponsored by Senator Mike Weissman, D-Aurora, to protect the rights of survivors of sexual violence and domestic abuse passed the Senate Judiciary Committee yesterday. 

“Survivors of sexual violence deserve systems that respect their agency and reduce, rather than compound, their trauma,” said Weissman. “When it comes to parental rights, survivors should be able to live in peace without maintaining a relationship with their perpetrator. And if a survivor chooses to relinquish their own parental rights, they should not be forced to navigate hurdles like mandatory counseling, court fees, or child support payments that only make a terrible situation worse. These bills ensure that survivors can make the best choice for themselves and their families without facing additional barriers.” 

HB25-1185 would establish a clearer process for a parent of a child conceived by sexual assault to voluntarily relinquish their rights while protecting the child's best interest.

Between 17,000 to 32,000 rape-related pregnancies occur in the US each year, leaving many survivors legally bound to their assailant. Colorado previously enacted SB13-227 and HB14-1162, which established a process for survivors to more easily terminate their assailant’s parental rights. HB25-1185 remedies gaps and barriers in the implementation of these laws.

The bill would also ensure that a victim who became pregnant from a sexual assault who wants to voluntarily relinquish their own parental rights is exempt from additional costs and burdens including required counseling, court fees, and child support payments. 

HB25-1168, also sponsored by Senator Julie Gonzales, D-Denver, would expand housing protections for victims of domestic violence, domestic abuse, unlawful sexual behavior, and stalking. 

"Too often, survivors of domestic violence are forced to choose between their safety and their housing," said Gonzales. "No one should be stuck in a dangerous situation because they can’t afford to break a lease or are left with damages they didn’t cause. This bill gives survivors the legal protections they need to reclaim their safety and move forward with dignity."

The bill would require landlords to offer a repayment plan to survivors for unpaid rent, prevent survivors from being held responsible for property damage caused by their perpetrator, and limit the penalties for terminating a lease early, among other protections.

HB25-1168 and HB25-1185 now head to the Senate floor for further consideration.