HB 23-1259

HB 23-1259, which was vetoed by the governor, changes how citizens can be reimbursed for legal challenges related to executive sessions under Colorado's open meetings law. Previously, if a citizen won such a case, they could receive costs and attorney fees. The bill would have removed this right for people who represent themselves in court regarding specific parts of the law about private meetings. This affects individuals who might challenge violations of the open meetings law rules on executive sessions without legal representation. Since it was vetoed, the existing provisions remain unchanged.

Official Summary

Under current law, if the court finds a violation of the open meetings law, a prevailing citizen is entitled to costs and reasonable attorney fees. The act specifies that for certain challenges by a pro se plaintiff that are brought in connection with provisions in the open meetings law governing executive sessions in the open meetings law the pro se plaintiff is not entitled to an award of costs or attorney fees. VETOED by Governor June 6, 2023 (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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