Digital records bill tops open-government accomplishments of 2017 legislative session
For Coloradans concerned about access to government information, the 2017 legislative session will be judged by what occurred on the 120th and final day.
Public Records Laws
Legislature approves open-records modernization, sends bill to governor’s desk
An 18-month push to update Colorado’s open-records law for the digital age culminated in the final passage of a bill that clarifies the public’s right to copies of electronic government records in useful file formats that permit analysis of information in those records.
‘Modest approach’ to CORA modernization wins House approval
Legislation to modernize Colorado’s open-records law underwent a significant makeover with little more than a day left in the 2017 session.
Governor signs bill requiring ‘cooling-off period’ for CORA disputes
Gov. John Hickenlooper signed legislation that requires a “cooling-off period” when open-records disputes reach the point where litigation is being considered.
Unaffiliated voter’s choice of primary ballot should be public record, state lawmakers say
When Colorado’s unaffiliated voters participate in next year’s political party primaries, whether they choose Republican or Democratic ballots should be public information, a panel of state lawmakers affirmed.
Expungement bill no longer affects release of public information on youths charged as adults
A bill addressing the expungement of juvenile delinquency records no longer includes a provision changing the public availability of arrest records when juveniles are charged as adults.
House committee removes some Senate amendments from CORA modernization bill
A bill to modernize Colorado’s public records law survived a state House panel in a form closer to the way it was introduced earlier in the legislative session.
Party lines separate lawmakers on bill to require disclosure of presidential candidates’ tax returns
Frustrated by President Donald Trump’s refusal to release his income tax returns, Democratic state House members endorsed a bill that would require presidential and vice presidential candidates to disclose at least five years of personal returns to qualify for the general election ballot in Colorado.
Legislation would change availability of public information on juveniles charged as adults
Under House Bill 17-1204, a judge would have to order a juvenile be charged as an adult to trigger the public release of arrest and criminal records.
Governor signs bill opening state records on wage-law violations
With Gov. John Hickenlooper’s signature on House Bill 17-1021, Colorado no longer will treat wage-law violations as “trade secrets” that must be kept from the public.