Colorado’s judicial branch proposed two new chief justice directives on virtual court proceedings Wednesday and asked the public to comment on them by mid-March.

“It is a forgone conclusion that virtual proceedings are here to stay, and they provide a tremendous benefit in many respects,” Colorado Supreme Court Chief Justice Brian Boatright said in a statement posted online. “Before the Court takes any action regarding this valuable public resource, we feel it is critically important to hear from all stakeholders who have now had nearly three years to adapt to this new environment and technology.”

The Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition last month reported on the policy effort, which has been led by Eighth Judicial District Chief Judge Susan Blanco and Fourth Judicial District Chief Judge William Bain. Meanwhile, state Rep. Elisabeth Epps, D-Denver, introduced House Bill 23-1182, which would require all courts to livestream criminal proceedings held in open court unless they are not equipped to do so.

One of the draft chief justice directives addresses whether parties involved in judicial proceedings must appear in person or remotely in state trial courts. The other sets rules for livestreaming criminal proceedings, which many courts implemented after the COVID-19 pandemic hit in early 2020.