A new Colorado law effective August 2026 may require your shop to provide disability accommodations if you administer any licensing or credentialing exams.
Most Colorado auto service owners don't realize that if they administer licensing exams, trade tests, or credentialing courses—even occasionally—they may soon be classified as a "testing entity" under state anti-discrimination law, with new legal obligations to provide disability accommodations.
That's the practical impact of HB1417, the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act Testing Entities bill, which takes effect August 12, 2026 (assuming no referendum petition is filed by the 90-day deadline after the May 13, 2026 legislative adjournment).
Before HB1417, Colorado's definition of "testing entity" was narrow: it applied only to private entities based in Colorado that controlled decisions about testing accommodations. The new law, codified in Section 2, Page 3 (amending 24-34-806(2)(c)), expands that definition dramatically. Now, "any person or business" offering covered exams or courses qualifies as a testing entity.
For auto service businesses, this means if you administer ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) exams, manufacturer certification tests, or other credentialing courses to employees or third parties, you fall under the law.
Once classified as a testing entity, your business must provide disability accommodations to exam takers. The law doesn't specify which accommodations or how to implement them, but examples typically include extended time, alternative formats, assistive technology, or modified testing environments.
More significantly, the law creates a civil right-of-action—meaning individuals can sue directly if they believe you failed to provide required accommodations. This exposure applies even to small shops that administer tests infrequently.
The broadened definition sweeps in businesses of all sizes. You don't need to be a dedicated testing company. If you give ASE exams to techs seeking certification, host manufacturer training with final exams, or administer any credentialing test, you're now a testing entity under the law.
Businesses that partner with third-party testing platforms may have some protection if the platform handles accommodations, but the law's language is broad enough that responsibility could fall on both the platform and the administering business.
Before August 12, 2026, review whether your shop administers any exams or credentialing courses. If so, document your current accommodation practices and identify gaps. Consider whether your testing location, equipment, and processes can accommodate common requests like extended time, quiet rooms, or screen readers.
Consult with your insurance broker about coverage for potential discrimination claims. If you use a third-party testing platform, ask whether they assume accommodation responsibility and whether they indemnify you.
The law is intentionally broad to ensure accessibility, but it creates real compliance uncertainty for small businesses. Understanding your obligations now—before the August 2026 effective date—is the clearest path forward.
Source: HB1417, Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act Testing Entities, Section 2, Page 3 (amending 24-34-806(2)(c)); effective August 12, 2026.