CO HB1404

Transfers the Independent Ethics Commission from the Department of Personnel to the Judicial Department as an independent agency, effective upon passage.

Changes the timeline for advisory opinions from "not more than twenty business days" to "as soon as practicable" after a request is made to the commission.

Repeals section 24-18-111 granting the Secretary of State powers to issue advisory opinions on ethics matters, transferring those responsibilities to the Independent Ethics Commission.

Appropriates $270,822 and 2.0 FTE from the general fund to the Judicial Department for the Independent Ethics Commission, with a corresponding decrease to the Department of Personnel and Administration.

Transfers all state employees on the Independent Ethics Commission staff to become employees of the Judicial Department as of the effective date.