TEDNA

Here is CO HB 15-1165.  The Summary:

The bill establishes the subcommittee for the consideration of the use of American Indian mascots by public schools (subcommittee) and requires the subcommittee to evaluate and approve or disapprove the use of American Indian mascots by public schools and public institutions of higher education (public schools) within the state. The subcommittee is repealed, effective September 1, 2025. Before such repeal, the department of regulatory agencies shall review the subcommittee.

The bill requires each public school that uses an American Indian mascot to either cease using the mascot or request approval for the continued use of the mascot or another American Indian mascot from the subcommittee. If a public school receives notice from the subcommittee that the school’s use of an American Indian mascot has been disapproved, the public school shall cease using the mascot on or before the date 2 years following such notice.

For each month in which a public school uses an unapproved American Indian mascot after such date, a fine of $25,000 shall be paid to the state treasurer by:

• The school district of the offending public school;
• The state charter school institute if the offending school is an institute charter school; or
• The public school itself if the public school is a public institution of higher education.

The bill creates the American Indian mascot fund (fund). A public school whose mascot is disapproved by the subcommittee may apply for a grant of moneys from the fund to pay for new uniforms, new decor, new letterhead, and such other modifications as are necessitated by the public school’s change of mascot.

HB 15-1165 is scheduled to be heard in front of the Colorado House Education Committee on March 23.  The Bill can be monitored here.