SB 22-076

Senate Bill 22-076, which has been signed into law in Colorado, protects licensed professionals from anonymous complaints made against them for actions or words they used while performing their official duties as elected officials or members of boards and commissions. If a complaint is not anonymous but still concerns the professional's official conduct, it can also be dismissed without requiring the professional to respond or provide evidence. However, this protection doesn’t apply if the speech or action was specifically directed at an individual in their professional capacity. This law aims to shield public servants from frivolous complaints and protect them while they perform their duties.

Official Summary

The act directs the agency that regulates an occupation to dismiss an anonymous complaint that is lodged against the holder of an occupational license, certification, or registration if the complaint is based on words said or actions taken while engaged in official duties as: An elected official of Colorado or a political subdivision of Colorado; or A member of a board or commission of Colorado or a political subdivision of Colorado. If the same type of complaint is submitted, but not anonymously, the agency is authorized to dismiss the complaint. The subject of the complaint need not respond or provide evidence for the complaint to be dismissed. An exception is made for words said to or actions committed for a specific person when the license, certificate, or registration holder is speaking or acting as a member of the regulated occupation. (Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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