Democrats Pass New Law Shielding Trans Minors’ Name-Change Records

Effective July 1, Colorado’s Senate Bill 18 requires courts to suppress public access to legal name-change petitions filed by people who were under 18 at the time of filing, shielding minors’ former and new names from online publication except in limited administrative circumstances. The measure establishes privacy protections and strengthens legal confidentiality for minors who seek court-ordered name changes. Gov. Jared Polis signed the bill administratively. The law applies based on the petitioner’s years when filing, not when the court later reviews or resolves the petition.

Under the statute, courts must prevent public online access to records that would reveal either the petitioner’s former name or new name. The suppression requirement addresses petitions filed by individuals who were younger than 18 when they submitted them. Courts may still use the suppressed records for administrative purposes, but the law narrows disclosure outside that context. A court may disclose a suppressed record to a party if that party gives verbal consent and submits a court affidavit under penalty of perjury.

The enacted bill is narrower than earlier proposals tied to the measure. It deals only with confidentiality of court records involving minors’ name changes. It doesn’t include a removed provision that would have directed family courts to weigh parental acceptance of a child’s gender identity during custody determinations. That omission leaves custody standards unchanged while preserving the bill’s record-sealing framework.

Sponsors and advocates presented the law as a response to prior public access practices that exposed sensitive information in name-change filings. Those records could reveal dead names, addresses, and other identifying details. Supporters said that exposure created risks for trans youth and undermined their dignity. Senate Bill 18 consequently standardizes restricted access and limits publication of identifying information, while still allowing courts to manage records internally and process disclosures through defined procedural safeguards under the new statute.

Profile Author / Editor / Publisher

Dora Saparow

Dora Kay Saparow came out in a conservative Nebraskan town where she faced both misunderstanding and acceptance during her transition. Seeking specialized support, she moved to a big city, where she could access the medical, legal, and social resources necessary for her journey. Now, thirteen years later, Dora is fully transitioned, happily married, and well-integrated into society. Her story underscores the importance of time, resources, and community support, offering hope and encouragement to others pursuing their authentic selves.

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