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Resolution seeking outside audit of alleged judicial misconduct fails in committee amid heated testimony
Summary
Representative Bottoms introduced HJR 10‑29 calling for an outside special auditor to investigate alleged hush‑money contracts and judicial misconduct; testimony included retired judges, victims and advocates but several members expressed credibility concerns. The resolution failed on a recorded committee vote and was later postponed indefinitely.
Representative Scott Bottoms introduced House Joint Resolution 10‑29, which asks the General Assembly to request an outside special auditor to investigate alleged misconduct involving Colorado Supreme Court actions, alleged hush‑money contracts and asserted interference by the Attorney General's Office and state auditors.
Christopher Gregory, a former member and executive director of the Colorado Commission on Judicial Discipline, described stacks of paperwork and alleged concealment, telling the committee that the resolution is "the first step necessary to stop endemic public corruption in Colorado state government." Multiple other witnesses — including a retired district judge, local residents, and several private citizens who described personal grievances — urged passage and an independent investigation.
Committee members raised procedural and credibility concerns. Vice Chair Clifford and others said they had reviewed documents provided by witnesses but were not convinced the committee should authorize a special audit from this hearing alone; several members suggested referral to the audit committee or allowing other investigatory avenues to proceed. Representative Bradley and others said they supported an independent review; Representative Carter and Vice Chair Clifford expressed skepticism about political motivation and asked whether ongoing federal cases or suit filings existed that might address allegations.
The committee polled and reported an initial vote that the resolution "fails on a vote of 8 to 3." Members then moved to postpone the resolution indefinitely by reverse roll call, and the motion to postpone passed. The resolution will not move forward from this committee at present.
