CO HB1079

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

Limits covered "officials" to board members only; covered "employees" include only superintendents/head administrative officers for school districts and employees who report directly to the special district board

Authorizes the commission to hear complaints, issue findings, assess penalties, and provide advisory opinions on ethics issues involving these newly covered officials and employees

Appropriates $120,856 from the general fund for FY 2025-26, including $96,917 for program costs (0.8 FTE) and $23,939 for legal services (0.1 FTE in Department of Law)

Takes effect 90 days after legislative adjournment unless a referendum petition is filed, in which case it would require voter approval in November 2026