Many of us agree that the Colorado Constitution has become an easy target for special interests. It seems that every two years some group attempts to write its agenda into our state's founding document. At the same time, we also value our state's long-standing right to petition state and local governments. It's a founding principle in Colorado, and one that voters cherish and want to preserve.
This duel has led us, over the years, to work on proposals focused on strengthening the system around initiatives and referendums and, specifically, protecting our Constitution.
This week, a bipartisan team of Senators Ellen Roberts (Republican) and Pat Steadman (Democrat) will introduce a Senate Concurrent Resolution (SCR) that would establish a two-tier, two-year process for approval of constitutional amendments. Colorado Concern believes this measure affirms the importance of our Constitution by raising the bar required to amend our state's most important governing document.
If the Colorado General Assembly passes the SCR and refers the measure to voters for November 2016, it would establish the following three steps to successfully amend the Constitution.
- Constitutional measures would be placed on an even-year General Election ballot after title setting and signature requirements are met. This vote would authorize the measure for further review and a final vote at the following odd-year election.
- If authorized by voters, the Legislative Council would conduct at least one public hearing in each Congressional District on the policy, fiscal and administrative impacts of the proposed amendment.
- Lastly, a vote on the next General Election ballot in the odd year would be held for final approval by Colorado voters.
This measure would not change the process to repeal Constitutional amendments approved by voters before 2015, or how voters petition a statutory change to Colorado law by citizen initiative. It also would not change existing initiative steps, including Title Board, single-subject requirements or signature-collection rules. It focuses solely on our Constitution. A detailed fact sheet is available here.
Colorado Concern is partnering with the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce on this important effort. We hope you will join us in urging lawmakers to support this important proposal, and we'll ask you to do so as the measure moves through the process.
If you have any questions about this issue or any other legislative proposal, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected].
Warmly,
Tamra
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