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Second Regular Session | 75th General Assembly
Colorado General Assembly

PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For REVIEW OF PROCESS AND TIMELINE

OTHER COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ON HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ETHICS
Date Feb 2, 2026       Location HCR 0107

Review of Process and Timeline - Committee Discussion Only
04:02:50 PM  
Representative McCormick, Chair, made opening remarks regarding an ethics complaint filed against Representative Weinberg (Attachment A) and the formation of the committee. Christy Chase, Office of Legislative Legal Services (OLLS), introduced the OLLS staff assigned to the committee. Ms. Chase reviewed the provisions of House Rule 49. She noted that a complaint was filed by Representative Bradley, and discussed the procedures for addressing the complaint that are outlined in House Rule 49. She referred to the Speaker's letter appointing the committee (Attachment B).
04:06:37 PM  
Ms. Chase noted that the first task for the committee is to make a probable cause determination, based on the complaint and any evidence reviewed by the committee. The committee must make this determination within 30 days, which is February 26. Representative Weinberg may file an answer in response to the complaint; this must be done by Friday, February 6. She noted that the committee cannot consider testimony or evidence that is not solicited by the committee. If the committee does not find probable cause, the complaint is dismissed. If the committee finds there is probable cause, the committee must notify Representative Weinberg about his right to request a hearing, and he must do so within 7 days. If a hearing is not requested, the committee's work is done, but it can make recommendations to the House about further steps. If a hearing is requested, it must be held within 14 days of the receipt of the request for a hearing. She described the hearing process.
04:11:57 PM  
Representative McCormick asked about the delay between the receipt of the complaint and the formation of the committee. Mr. Ed DeCecco, OLLS, responded.
04:14:47 PM  
Mr. DeCecco discussed the application of the Colorado Open Meetings Law (OML) and Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) to the House Ethics Committee proceedings, and reviewed a memorandum on this topic (Attachment C). He specifically discussed recent changes to the OML, and the application of the law to the House Ethics Committee.
04:20:38 PM  
Representative McCormick asked about the overlap between issues considered by the House Ethics Committee and the House Workplace Harassment Committee, and whether there is authority for the committee to enter executive session. Chair McCormick announced that the OML will apply to the House Ethics Committee proceedings.
04:23:57 PM  
Mr. DeCecco discussed the requirements of the OML and noted that meetings of the committee involving two or more members must be open, be noticed, and have prepared minutes. He discussed the requirements for executive session.
04:25:48 PM  
Ms. Chase reviewed information related to the committee's determination of probable cause and discussed a memorandum on the topic (Attachment D). Ms. Chase responded to committee questions regarding probable cause standards and the consideration of evidence by the committee.