2D9ED9BAAD4A4F038725891100611F57 Hearing Summary

PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For PUBLIC MEETINGS DURING EMERGENCIES ACT

JOINT COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ON COLORADO COMMISSION ON UNIFORM STATE LAWS
Date Dec 7, 2022
Location HCR 0112

Public Meetings During Emergencies Act - To be introduced as a Commission Bill

Attachment Tag

File Name

Attachment

2c - MPMDEA_Final Act_2022.pdf

10:40:52 AM

There was no public
testimony on this item. Commissioner Levy reported that she served on the
drafting committee for the act. It was changed to be a model act in recognition
that uniformity is not needed in this area. It's designed to fit within
the frame work of open meetings laws which vary from state to state. The
drafting committee did not want to create new requirements for open meetings,
but to create what could be considered a best practices act for creating
a balance with proceeding with business during a public emergency in a
way that is compatible with the public's right to know what their public
officials are during and to participate in that process to the best extent
possible. During COVID, many jurisdictions acting under executive orders
met but did not have time to explore all options to best achieve that balance.
The model act would not apply to state legislatures and state agencies
but the real need for it is for local public bodies and asked the commission
to move it forward.

10:44:22 AM

Commissioner Gardner
added that the pandemic made us aware of just how many public bodies there
are in Colorado while it left them scrambling to figure out what meetings
they could still have. The model act addresses that and the commission
should introduce this while the last two years is still fresh in everyone's
mind. Commissioner Gardner agreed to sponsor this act in the Senate or
find another Senator to do so. Commissioner Levy noted that there may be
newly-elected legislators who come from public bodies who may be interested
in carrying the bill and will help with finding a House sponsor.

Commissioner Levy moved the Uniform Public Meetings During Emergencies
Model Act be drafted and introduced as a commission bill. Commissioners
Pike and Duran seconded, and the motion passed without objection.

10:47:43 AM	Motion	The Uniform Public Meetings During Emergencies Model Act be drafted and introduced as a commission bill.
	Moved	Claire Levy
	Seconded

	Alicia Duran
	Gardner
	Thomas Grimshaw	Excused
	Yelana Love
	Donald Mielke
	Charley Pike
	Sara Scott
	Tipper
	Claire Levy
	Anne McGihon
		YES: 0 NO: 0 EXC: 1 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: Pass Without Objection

Public Meetings During Emergencies Act - To be introduced as a Commission Bill

Colorado General Assembly