s_sa_2016a_2016-05-09t12:19:41z0 Hearing Summary

Date: 05/09/2016

12:20 PM -- HB16-1216



Senator Steadman presented House Bill 16-1216 to the committee. This bill amends statutes related to the authority and administration of the Independent Ethics Commission (IEC). Specifically, the bill requires the IEC to employ or retain independent legal counsel and clarifies that the IEC is not required to adhere to advisory opinions issued by the Board of Ethics for the General Assembly. The bill also repeals the Board of Ethics for the Executive Branch and a provision of current law authorizing members of the General Assembly to accept payment of or reimbursement for travel and lodging expenses from any organization declared a joint governmental agency (currently the Council of State Governments, National Conference of State Legislatures, Energy Council, and American Legislative Exchange Council).



12:24 PM -- Russell Klein, representing the Colorado Attorney General's Office, testified in support of the bill.



12:26 PM -- Peg Perl, representing Colorado Ethics Watch, testified in support of the bill.



12:29 PM -- Dino Ioannides, representing the Independent Ethics Commission, answered questions from the committee.



12:32 PM -- Suzanne Staiert, Deputy Secretary of State, testified in support of the bill.



12:36 PM -- Elena Nunez, representing Colorado Common Cause, testified in support of the bill.





12:38 PM



Senator Steadman wrapped up his presentation to the committee. The bill was laid over for action later in the meeting.