By Jeffrey A. Roberts
CFOIC Executive Director
State lawmakers could voluntarily post drafts of proposed legislation — before legislative sessions begin — on a “clearinghouse” website of the Colorado General Assembly under a measure endorsed Thursday by a House committee.
Rep. Stephanie Luck, R-Penrose, said House Bill 24-1022 would give a greater number of constituents and stakeholders a chance to weigh in on proposed laws, either as supporters or opponents.
“That can be good,” she told members of the House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee. “Because if we can have conversations with our opposition before we walk in the door on the first day, then hopefully they can, through those conversations, become supporters of us.”
The bill, approved on an 8-3 committee vote, now goes to the House Appropriations Committee because it is expected to cost $61,440. The measure would let any member of the House or Senate publish a draft — or even just a bill title — on a public page that is searchable by category, sponsor name and draft bill number. Each draft would include a disclaimer saying it is not final and “may or may not be introduced” during the upcoming legislative session.
Erik Stone, a Teller County commissioner, testified in favor of HB 24-1022. He said he’s noticed that a lot of state legislation “just kind of comes out of left field, nobody ever knows about it. All of a sudden it appears, and the session moves very fast …. For us, it feels like a freight train so that kind of transparency, I would appreciate it as a commissioner, and I know my constituents would appreciate it as well.”
“I think this could be a great system for legislators to get feedback and refine bill ideas before the next session starts,” said Boulder resident Erin Meschke.
Luck said the idea for what she called a “clearinghouse” of bill drafts was inspired by the posting of proposed measures prior to last fall’s special legislative session on property taxes. “It is my opinion that the greater amount of transparency we can offer the public, the better we are as a legislature,” she told the committee.
Rep. Jennifer Parenti, D-Erie, said she supports Luck’s bill “in principle” but is concerned it could delay other ongoing IT projects by the legislature’s staff. “I do think this effort might actually conflict with some of those activities … I want to make sure there is more of a strategic vision for where we’re going in our IT services.”
Follow the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition on Twitter @CoFOIC. Like CFOIC’s Facebook page. Do you appreciate the information and resources provided by CFOIC? Please consider making a tax-deductible donation.
