CLA Responds To Draft Changes in Colorado Lobbyist Regulations

Posted: March 8, 2018

The Colorado Lobbyists Association today submitted its formal response to draft rules changes being proposed by the Colorado Secretary of State's Office. 

CLA's response will soon be posted on the secretary of state's website and can be viewed here. The deadline to respond is 5 p.m. Friday, March 9, 2018.

The draft rules and other comments submitted are accessible here. 

CLA commented on the following provisions: 

Rule 2.2.3 (c)(1)

This rule adds a new requirement that lobbyists or lobbying firms must disclose a “summary of the terms of the agreement” for “new engagements”. CLA objects to this new rule for several reasons, including that it is entirely inconsistent with Rule 3.2.2(A)(1) and (2), which only requires a lobbyist or lobbying firm to disclose, in part, “a description of the business activity in which the individual is engaged” or “a description in the which the business is engaged” for its monthly disclosure.

Rule 2.2.4

This proposed rule change requires a lobbyist or lobbying firm to amend their monthly disclosure statement within 72 hours of their change of position on a bill. In CLA's view, this is a logistical and burdensome requirement for a lobbyist or lobbying firm to undergo.

Rule 4.1

CLA proposes a change to the current Rule 5.2, which is to become Rule 4.2, about Complaints. While there are no suggested substantive changes to this rule, the association requests that a provision be added to prohibit any form of anonymous complaints.