State lawmakers could voluntarily post drafts of proposed legislation — before legislative sessions begin — on a “clearinghouse” website of the Colorado General Assembly under a measure endorsed Thursday by a House committee.
Rep. Stephanie Luck, R-Penrose, said House Bill 24-1022 would give a greater number of constituents and stakeholders a chance to weigh in on proposed laws, either as supporters or opponents.
“That can be good,” she told members of the House State, Civic, Military & Veterans Affairs Committee. “Because if we can have conversations with our opposition before we walk in the door on the first day, then hopefully they can, through those conversations, become supporters of us.”
The bill, approved on an 8-3 committee vote, now goes to the House Appropriations Committee because it is expected to cost $61,440. The measure would let any member of the House or Senate publish a draft — or even just a bill title — on a public page that is searchable by category, sponsor name and draft bill number. Each draft would include a disclaimer saying it is not final and “may or may not be introduced” during the upcoming legislative session.