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Commissioners hear concerns about constitutional amendment to revive childhood-abuse claims; no formal Lake County position taken
Summary
Staff told the Lake County Board of County Commissioners that SCR 25-002 would ask Colorado voters to amend the constitution to allow civil claims for childhood sexual abuse regardless of when the abuse occurred.
Staff told the Lake County Board of County Commissioners that Senate Concurrent Resolution SCR 25-002 would ask voters to amend the Colorado Constitution to allow victims of childhood sexual abuse to bring civil claims regardless of when the abuse occurred. "This is another one where it is a very well intended...but having it totally open ended is disconcerting," a commissioner said.
Staff described legal history: a prior retroactive measure led to lawsuits in which the Colorado Supreme Court ruled retroactive liability for local governments unconstitutional, and SCR 25-002 is a renewed attempt to send the question to voters. Staff expressed concern that an open-ended, retroactive amendment could waive county sovereign immunity for decades-old allegations and leave counties unable to defend claims because records and evidence may no longer exist.
Commission discussion mixed legal caution with empathy for survivors. One unidentified commenter spoke forcefully in favor of expanding victims’ access to justice and criticized framing that emphasizes malicious claims. Staff suggested a limited, private conversation with the measure’s sponsor, Senator Baisley, to convey county concerns without putting Lake County in the political spotlight. Commissioners agreed there was no need to take an official position at this time but said they would revisit the issue if it appeared likely to advance.
