SB 22-042

Senate Bill 22-042 changes how members are chosen for the Colorado State Fair Authority Board. Instead of selecting board members based on congressional districts, it now requires that two members come from each of four agricultural regions in the state and two members be appointed at large by the governor. The bill also mandates that three members must represent major political parties, three must be unaffiliated, and four must have ties to agriculture. This change affects how the board is structured and who can serve on it. Since the bill has been signed into law, these new rules are now in effect for future appointments to the board.

Official Summary

The act restructures the board of commissioners of the Colorado state fair authority. Under current law, the appointed members of the board include 2 residents of the county in which the Colorado state fair and industrial exposition is held, one resident of each of the 7 congressional districts, and one person from the state at large. Under the act, the board includes 2 residents of the county in which the Colorado state fair and industrial exposition is held, 2 members from the state at large, and 2 residents from each of the 4 agricultural districts of the state. The governor is required to appoint the 2 members from the state at large on October 31, 2022. The members of the board appointed before the effective date of the act to represent congressional districts may continue to hold office until the expiration of their terms, at which point the governor is required to appoint a new member in accordance with the requirements of the act. Members are appointed for terms of 4 years; except that terms are staggered so that no more than 3 members' terms expire in the same year. Of the 12 appointed members, at least 3 members must be affiliated with each of the major political parties for at least one year prior to appointment, and at least 3 members must be unaffiliated for at least one year prior to appointment. In addition, 4 members must be involved in the agricultural industry. The governor is required to attempt to ensure that the board represents the geographical diversity of the state. If a person appointed on a temporary basis while the general assembly is not in session is not confirmed by the senate during the next regular session, the person's term ends and the person is not eligible for reappointment as a temporary appointee during the next legislative interim. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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