CO HB1065

Expands the Independent Ethics Commission's jurisdiction to include special districts and school districts, which were previously excluded from Article XXIX of the state constitution.

Defines "special district" as any quasi-municipal corporation organized under Title 32 (excluding certain entities under Articles 8, 20, 25 of other titles and Articles 41-50 of Title 37) and "school district" per Section 22-30-103(13).

Grants the commission authority to hear complaints, issue findings, assess penalties, and issue advisory opinions on ethics issues involving special district officials and employees, and school district officials and employees.

Appropriates $87,740 to the judicial department (0.4 FTE) and $45,468 to the department of law (0.2 FTE) for the 2023-24 fiscal year to implement the expanded jurisdiction.

Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment of the general assembly, unless a referendum petition is filed, in which case approval by voters in November 2024 is required.