HB18-1138: Standardizing Public Official Oaths of Office

• Establishes a uniform oath and affirmation text for all Colorado public officials: "I [NAME], DO [SELECT SWEAR OR AFFIRM] THAT I WILL SUPPORT THE CONSTITUTION OF THE UNITED STATES, THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE OF COLORADO, AND THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF COLORADO, AND WILL FAITHFULLY PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THE OFFICE OF [NAME OF OFFICE OR POSITION] UPON WHICH I AM ABOUT TO ENTER TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY."

• Requires all public official oaths and affirmations to be in writing, signed by the person taking them, and administered before the person enters office.

• Directs state executive officers, judges, and district attorneys to file oaths with the Secretary of State; all other officials file with the county clerk of the county where they were elected or appointed.

• Specifies who may administer oaths including judges, magistrates, notaries public, and persons designated by governing bodies.

• Repeals outdated oath and affirmation provisions throughout Colorado Revised Statutes and applies uniform standards across all state and local public offices.