Colorado
Colorado has roughly 55,000 residents living with epilepsy. The state passed one of the stronger Seizure Safe Schools laws in the country in 2021 — but federal advocacy is still where the most important fights are happening. Here's what you need to know, and where the pressure needs to go.
Representation
Michael Bennet, U.S. Senator (D-CO) | (202) 224-5852
John Hickenlooper, U.S. Senator (D-CO) | (202) 224-5941
Go Here To Find Your Congressional Representative
Driving Laws
Colorado has no set seizure-free period for driving. That makes it one of the most permissive states in the country — but "no set period" does not mean "no rules." The state requires each driver's license applicant to disclose any physical disability that could cause a loss of consciousness. That means epilepsy is a disclosure requirement.
Once disclosed, your application is reviewed individually by the Driver License office supervisor. The department can issue a regular license, a restricted license, or no license—entirely at its discretion, based on physician input.
• No set seizure-free period — Colo. Rev. Stat. § 42-2-112 (2020)
• Disclosure required if condition could cause lapse of consciousness
• Physicians are not required to report patients to the DMV
• If your license is canceled, you have 30 days to request a hearing
• Judicial review available within 30 days of any denial or suspension
School Laws
Colorado passed HB-21-113 in 2021, one of the earlier state-level wins. The law requires:
• Individualized Seizure Action Plans for students with a diagnosed seizure disorder — developed by school nurses in conjunction with parents/guardians
• Free seizure recognition and first-aid training for appropriate school staff, using curricula from recognized epilepsy organizations and approved by the Colorado Department of Education
• Designated employees trained to administer seizure medications, including rescue medications and manual vagus nerve stimulation
As of 2026, there are approximately 7,800 children with active epilepsy in Colorado. If your school is not complying with HB-21-113, you have standing to push back. Contact the Colorado Department of Education. See the ParentSmart Healthline provided by Children’s Hospital of Colorado below.
Support
Epilepsy Foundation | Colorado + Wyoming
Epilepsy Care
If your seizures aren't controlled after 12 months with a general neurologist — or after two medications have failed — national guidelines say you should be at a Level 3 or Level 4 center. Most people who meet that bar are never told it exists.
Colorado has a few NAEC-accredited epilepsy centers:
• Children's Hospital Colorado — Aurora (Level 4, Pediatric)
The ParentSmart Healthline provides access to pediatric experts and peace of mind 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When you call Children's Hospital Colorado ParentSmart Healthline (720-777-0123), you can receive guidance from registered nurses.
The nursing staff provides information and guidance about numerous pediatric topics. They can help provide guidance for parents caring for an ill child at home. The ParentSmart Healthline nurses receive more than 30,000 calls a year, so don’t be shy! This service is available to all families in the Rocky Mountain Region.
• University of Colorado Hospital — Aurora (Level 4)
• UCHealth Neurosciences Center — Anschutz (Level 4)
Use the comments section to add additional resources for Colorado or review the resources listed above.