Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Ballot Information Booklet topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Statutory Revision Committee narrows blue‑book hearing language, approves modernization bill 7‑1
Summary
The committee approved LLS 26‑0788 to modernize the ballot information booklet statute, deleting antiquated language and obsolete fund‑transfer provisions; members amended the draft to preserve some public‑hearing protections and approved introduction 7‑1 after debate over transparency.
The Statutory Revision Committee voted 7‑1 to introduce LLS 26‑0788 as a statutory revision committee bill, a draft that modernizes statutory language governing the ballot information booklet (the “blue book”) used for statewide ballot measures.
Julia Jackson of Legislative Council Staff and Stephanie Schraub of the Office of Legislative Legal Services told the committee the draft removes antiquated drafting conventions (passive voice, gendered language and the word "hereby"), eliminates obsolete fund‑transfer provisions tied to fiscal years 2007–2011 and updates how the blue book links to Secretary of State resources so future technology changes do not require statutory rewrites.
The change that drew the most discussion was a provision in subsection 1.7 that currently calls for a public meeting at which Legislative Council staff may ask questions about written public comments. Representative Tammy Luck and Committee Member Morris urged caution, saying the language creates a public forum that preserves transparency and questioned whether moving that discrete question process to email or phone would remove an on‑the‑record opportunity for commenters. Jackson said the statutory language predates current drafting practice and that the Legislative Council does conduct a later Legislative Council Committee hearing where public testimony is taken.
Committee members moved an amendment to strike specified lines in subsection 1.7 that had been the focus of concern. After a roll call on the amendment the committee adopted the change and then approved introduction of the bill as amended on a 7‑1 vote; the chair recorded the lone no vote. Vice Chair Espinosa agreed to carry the bill in the House; Representative Luck and other members were recorded as sponsors or co‑sponsors.
Why it matters: The statute governs a constitutionally significant document that frames ballot arguments for Colorado voters. The committee’s action aims to keep the blue book’s statutory requirements aligned with modern drafting and workflow while preserving the constitutionally guaranteed for‑and‑against arguments that appear in the booklet.
The committee recorded the amendment vote and the final 7‑1 introduction vote; the bill will be carried to the House as a statutory revision committee measure.
