The Business and Licensing (“B&L”) Section provides legal advice and litigation services to several state regulatory agencies, including the Department of Regulatory Agencies, the Department of Agriculture, the State Personnel Board, and the Independent Ethics Commission. The Section assists its client agencies in their mission to protect Colorado consumers through oversight of various industries and professions and to protect public health and safety. The Section comprises seven units that each support various state agencies, boards, and commissions. Each unit provides legal services to its client agencies through:
- Enforcement & disciplinary litigation
- Licensing litigation
- General counseling
- Appellate advocacy
- Investigative consultation
Some of B&L’s client agencies include:
Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA):
Division of Banking
DORA’s Division of Banking protects the public by regulating the business of state-chartered commercial banks and trust companies, state-licensed money transmitters, and enforcing the Public Deposit Protection Act.
Colorado Civil Rights Division
DORA’s Civil Rights Division works to eliminate discrimination in employment, housing and places of public accommodation under Colorado Civil Rights Laws.
Division of Conservation
DORA’s Division of Conservation was created in 2018 and supervises the state’s program for state income tax credits for conservation easements, certifying organizations to hold conservation easements, determining the credibility of appraisals, and assessing the qualifications of deeds of conservation easements.
Division of Financial Services
DORA’s Division of Financial Services works to protect the public interest and preserve public trust by regulating the state-chartered credit unions, savings and loan associations and the financial activities of life care institutions.
Division of Insurance
DORA’s Division of Insurance regulates the insurance industry and assists consumers and other stakeholders with insurance issues.
Division of Professions and Occupations
DORA’s Division of Professions and Occupations licenses over 50 professions, occupations and industries in Colorado.
Division of Real Estate
DORA’s Division of Real Estate protects real estate consumers by licensing and enforcing laws for real estate brokers and appraisers, mortgage brokers and community association managers.
Division of Securities
DORA’s Division of Securities protects investors and maintains public confidence in the securities markets while avoiding unreasonable burdens on participants in capital markets.
Department of Agriculture
The mission of the Department of Agriculture is to strengthen and advance Colorado agriculture; promote a safe and high-quality food supply; protect consumers; and foster responsible stewardship of the environment and natural resources.
State Personnel Board
The State Personnel Board, an independent entity as designated by state Constitution, promulgates rules governing the state personnel system and reviews appeals by employees regarding any adverse action that affects an employee’s base pay, status, tenure or other rights to which an employee is entitled by law. The Board may also use its discretion to grant a hearing for actions that do not adversely affect pay, status or tenure and where the individual does not, otherwise, have a right to a hearing, appeal or review by law or rule.
Independent Ethics Commission
The Independent Ethics Commission (IEC) is a constitutionally created independent commission and is charged with the implementation of Article XXIX of the Colorado Constitution. The purpose of the IEC is to give advice and guidance on ethics issues arising under Article XXIX of the Colorado Constitution and any other standards of conduct or reporting requirements as provided by law; and to hear complaints, issue findings, and assess penalties and sanctions where appropriate.
Additional Clients:
The Business & Licensing Section also represents the Mined Land Reclamation Board, State Board of Equalization, the State Claims Board, and the Office of the Child Protection Ombudsman.