HB 24-1283 Summary

• Repeals a provision requiring all municipal campaign finance complaints to be exclusively filed with the municipal clerk, allowing for Secretary of State review under certain circumstances.

• Requires municipal clerks to conduct initial review of campaign finance complaints within ten business days to determine if they meet filing requirements, with authority to dismiss complaints that do not comply.

• Allows municipalities with adopted ordinances to refer complaints to the Secretary of State within fourteen business days if: (1) the complaint presents an actual or potential conflict for the clerk or staff, or (2) the municipality lacks its own campaign finance complaint and hearing process.

• Sets requirements for municipal ordinances authorizing referral, including that complaints must be filed within 180 days of discovery of the alleged violation, filed in writing on a Secretary-provided form, and that fines collected are payable to the Secretary rather than the municipality.

• Appropriates $170,723 to the Colorado Department of State for the 2024-25 fiscal year to implement the act, including funding for 2.2 additional full-time employees across administration, elections, and information technology divisions.