Why It Matters
Colorado lawmakers are moving forward with legislation that would require the governor’s office to disclose its positions on pending bills, treating executive branch staff who influence legislation the same as outside lobbyists. The measure targets a transparency gap that critics say allows the administration to withhold its stance until late in the legislative process.
What Happened
Senate Bill 147 passed the House State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee unanimously this week. The bill already cleared the Senate on a 30-4 vote earlier this month. It would eliminate an exemption that currently allows legislative liaisons working for state agencies and the governor’s office to lobby lawmakers without the same public disclosure requirements that apply to private-sector lobbyists.
Governor Jared Polis is opposing the measure. A spokesperson for the governor called the proposal absurd and said it would limit the executive branch’s ability to participate in the legislative process.
By the Numbers
The Senate approved the bill 30 to 4. It received unanimous support in the House committee. Currently, private lobbyists must register their positions on legislation with the Secretary of State’s Office. Legislative liaisons doing similar work for the governor or state agencies face no such requirement.
The Case for Change
Sponsors of the bill say the exemption allows the governor’s administration to conceal its positions on legislation until late in the process, which can derail bills that have already passed through stakeholder review. Representative Meg Froelich, an Englewood Democrat sponsoring the measure, said Colorado has seen an unprecedented level of involvement from the executive branch in legislative affairs in recent years.
Representative Dusty Johnson, a Republican from Fort Morgan, said the bill would create an even playing field between branches of government. Labor unions and the Colorado Lobbyist Association testified in support, arguing that lobbying activity funded by public dollars should be publicly reported.
What’s Next
The bill now moves to the full House for consideration. If it passes both chambers and is signed into law, the governor’s office would be required to register positions on legislation just as outside lobbyists currently do.