CO SB101

Creates a School Board Ethics Commission as a Type 1 commission within the Department of Education, consisting of 5 members appointed by the President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, Governor (2 members), and State Board of Education.

Establishes commission jurisdiction over alleged violations by school board members of ethics codes, open meetings laws, Colorado Open Records Act, and other state law provisions relating to ethical standards applicable to board members.

Requires complaints to be filed under oath and confidential until probable cause is determined; if probable cause exists, the matter is referred to an administrative law judge for hearing, with the commission making final determinations and imposing sanctions including civil penalties, fines, censure, and attorney's fees.

Creates a 9-point Code of Ethics for school board members covering lawful conduct, educational welfare of children, policy-making roles, confidentiality, hiring practices, and independence from special interests.

Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment of the general assembly (August 10, 2016) unless subject to referendum petition, with initial commission appointments required by September 1, 2016 and terms commencing October 15, 2016.