Supporters applaud Ritter for signing Designated Beneficiary Agreement Act

Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter on Thursday signed into law House Bill 1260, a measure that allows gay and lesbian couples and other unmarried adults to establish sweeping legal rights for each other — including inheritance, the ability to make medical decisions and hospital visitation rights.

Groups representing gays and lesbians, senior citizens and low-income residents cheered the governor’s support for the Designated Beneficiary Agreement Act, which goes into effect July 1.

Senate panel OKs partner proposal derided by critics as ‘marriage light’

A bill designed to make it easier for gay and lesbian couples and other unmarried adults to establish sweeping legal rights for each other — including inheritance, the ability to make medical decisions and hospital visitation rights — moved a step closer to law Monday on a party-line vote in a state Senate committee over the objections of a Republican lawmaker who called the proposal “marriage light.”

TCI Street Poll: Hospital visitation rights for everyone?

While the Colorado legislature debates state Rep. Mark Ferrandino and Sen. Jennifer Veiga’s H.B. 1260 to allow adults to enter into “designated beneficiary agreements” that would provide a legal right for hospital visits among other rights for non-married persons. Do you agree with the Denver Democrats’ efforts?

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