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Second Regular Session | 75th General Assembly
Colorado General Assembly

CLICS/CLICS2026A/commsumm.nsf
PUBLIC
BILL SUMMARY For COMMITTEE DISCUSSION

OTHER COMMITTEE COMMITTEE ON HOUSE COMMITTEE ON ETHICS
Date Sep 4, 2026       Location HCR 0112

Committee Discussion - Various Actions Approved
01:10:08 PM  
Representative McCormick reviewed the elements of the complaint against Representative Lindsay. She discussed the evidence received, the testimony provided during the evidentiary hearing, and documents and information provided by Representative Lindsay. Representative Lindsay's closing statement was distributed to the committee (Attachment A).
01:12:47 PM  
Representative McCormick discussed her belief that the Representative Lindsay's behavior constitutes a breach of ethical standards.
01:15:40 PM  
Representative Soper commented on the evidentiary hearings. He discussed the duties and obligations of a caucus chair and behavior that constitutes a breach of ethical conduct. He discussed the potential impact of Representative Lindsay's actions on public trust. He stated his believe that her pattern of behavior, the frequency of her behavior, and her lack of remorse meant that the committee should make findings that her behavior violated House Ethics rules.
01:21:03 PM  
Representative Mabrey discussed the reimbursement check related to the November 2024 retreat, and noted that he had not heard evidence to change his original finding that there was probable cause that an ethics violation occurred.
01:23:26 PM  
Reprehensive Woodrow commented on allegations raised in Representative Marshall's complaint. He stated that he did not believe that there was money laundering. He stated that with regard to gross mismanagement, the finding of probable cause should be upheld. He discussed Representative Lindsay's lack of clear accounting practices and receipts for expenses. He discussed the authority of the committee to make findings in this matter. He discussed Mr. Quinn's testimony and the report on the fund and supplemental wage payments for Representative Lindsay's aide.
01:34:17 PM  
Representative Garcia Sander stated that there was gross mismanagement of the fund, and discussed the effect of the behavior on the House of Representatives and the public.
01:35:55 PM  
Representative McCormick stated that it was her belief that trust was damaged by Representative Lindsay's management of the fund. She stated that she did not see criminal intent in Representative Lindsay's behavior; however, her use of personal funds and lack of bookkeeping standards led to a break in trust with the caucus.
01:40:18 PM  
Representative McCormick referenced a memorandum on the possible recommendations the committee may make under House Rule 49 (Attachment B). She asked about options the committee may consider in light of the fact that Representative Lindsay is not returning to General Assembly in 2027. Ms. Christy Chase, Office of Legislative Legal Services, noted that, unless a special session is called, there is no option for the House of Representatives to act prior to Representative Lindsay leaving office, but that there is precedent for the House consider a resolution of reprimand after a member has left office.
01:45:56 PM  
Representative McCormick asked about which members of leadership should receive the committee's final report. Ms. Chase responded, noting that past precedent dictates that the report is provided to the presiding officer of the body, in this case, the Speaker. The committee commented on whether the report could be printed in the journal. The committee discussed whether the Speaker could remove Representative Lindsay as caucus chair, and agreed to include a recommendation that the Speaker request that Representative Lindsay resign as caucus chair. The committee discussed other penalties that could be administered.
01:56:51 PM  
The committee discussed potential recommendations related to management of the caucus petty cash fund. Ms. Chase explained the recommendations of prior ethics committees. Chair McCormick discussed possible recommendations related to future management of the fund.

02:03:10 PM
 Motion That the committee determines that action should be taken under House Rule 49(f).
Moved Soper
Seconded Woodrow
Garcia Sander Yes
Mabrey Yes
Woodrow Yes
Soper Yes
McCormick Yes
YES: 5   NO: 0   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS

02:04:07 PM
 Motion That the committee recommend that a stern letter of reprimand be issued to Representative Lindsay and that she be removed from all but one committee, per the House Rules, and that she be requested to resign from the position of Democratic Caucus co-chair.
Moved Soper
Seconded Garcia Sander
Garcia Sander Yes
Mabrey Yes
Woodrow Yes
Soper Yes
McCormick Yes
YES: 5   NO: 0   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS

02:04:48 PM
 Motion That the committee include in its report a request that House leadership develop rules for best practices for handling caucus financial matters.
Moved Soper
Seconded Woodrow
Garcia Sander Yes
Mabrey Yes
Woodrow Yes
Soper Yes
McCormick Yes
YES: 5   NO: 0   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS

02:07:14 PM
 Motion Specify that these best practices include: 1. formal approval of workflow systems, direct spending, and costs, if needed; 2. expense logs, with dates, receipts, and approval status; 3. a budget, updated quarterly and available for anyone in the caucus to review; 4. a system for collecting dues, following up with members who are delinquent, and specifying consequences for nonpaying members; 5. monthly bank account reconciliation; 6. a written and approved plan for items purchased for the caucus which can be used in the future and an inventory and storage plan for those items; and anything else that the leadership believes assists in the management of caucus funds.
Moved Soper
Seconded Mabrey
Garcia Sander Yes
Mabrey Yes
Woodrow Yes
Soper Yes
McCormick Yes
YES: 5   NO: 0   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS
02:08:16 PM  

Ms. Chase recommended that the committee deputize a member to work with staff on the final report.

02:08:53 PM
 Motion That Chair McCormick and Vice-Chair Soper be authorized to work with the Office of Legislative Legal Services to write the report, which will be shared with the entire committee for approval.
Moved Woodrow
Seconded Garcia Sander
Garcia Sander No
Mabrey Yes
Woodrow Yes
Soper Yes
McCormick Yes
YES: 4   NO: 1   EXC: 0   ABS:  0   FINAL ACTION:  PASS
02:08:59 PM  
Representative McCormick gave final remarks and gave thanks to the staff and committee members. She thanked all of the witnesses who testified.