HB 24-1073

House Bill 24-1073 expands the authority of Colorado's Independent Ethics Commission. Currently, the commission doesn't have power over special district and school district officials or employees when it comes to ethics issues. The bill changes this by allowing the commission to investigate complaints against these individuals, issue penalties if necessary, and provide guidance on ethical behavior based on state constitutional standards. Since the bill has been signed into law, the Independent Ethics Commission now has full jurisdiction over all public officials and employees in Colorado regarding ethics matters.

Official Summary

Under current law, the independent ethics commission created in article XXIX of the state constitution does not have jurisdiction over officials or employees of special districts or school districts. The bill gives the independent ethics commission jurisdiction to hear complaints, issue findings, assess penalties, and issue advisory opinions on ethics issues concerning a special district official or employee or school district official or employee. Existing law establishes ethical standards for a special district official or employee or school district official or employee. The bill incorporates those standards under the independent ethics commission's jurisdiction and expands the standards to include those described in article XXIX of the state constitution.(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced.)