Colorado senators initially push for — then drop ‘identity’ factor in parenting time decisions

February 20, 2026 - 06:59

A significant change has been made to a Colorado bill concerning parenting time and minor name changes. The legislation's sponsors have removed a key provision that would have required family courts to specifically consider a parent's affirmation of their child's "identity" when making custody and visitation decisions.

The bill, Senate Bill 018, initially included language mandating that judges weigh whether a parent recognizes their child's identity as a factor in determining parenting time. This aspect of the proposal had generated considerable debate and scrutiny. The removal of this clause represents a substantial revision to the bill's scope and intent.

The primary focus of the legislation now centers on procedures for suppressing public records in court petitions for name changes involving minors. This process is often sought to protect the privacy and safety of young people, particularly in sensitive family circumstances.

Legal observers note that while the "identity" factor has been taken out of this specific bill, broader conversations about the welfare of children in family court proceedings continue. The amendment simplifies the bill's trajectory, allowing it to proceed with a more narrowly defined purpose regarding court record confidentiality. The legislative process for the revised proposal is ongoing.