2024 Open Meetings Bills

The Colorado Open Meetings Law (COML) is one of the cornerstones of transparent government in Colorado and a crucial guarantee that allows Colorado journalists to report on the actions of state and local governments.

The Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition provides a valuable guide to open government with an overview of the history of COML: 

Historical source references: Initiated by the people of Colorado · C.R.S. § 24-6-401.

There are two bills before the 2024 Colorado legislature that propose significant changes to the COML: SB24-157 and HB24-1303. 

SB24-157 is scheduled for its first committee hearing on February 21. The bill sponsors reached out to CPA before introduction and made some changes at our request. We are in ongoing active conversations to address remaining concerns. 

CPA is committed to maximizing transparency and preserving the intent of the COML. We also recognize the need for legislators to speak to each other as professional colleagues. Proponents argue the bill largely codifies existing practice and legal guidance. CPA believes it is vital that the bill preserves the intent of COML as it pertains to the legislature and not open loopholes that allow or encourage public business to be conducted in secret. 

We have requested changes to the bill related to meetings that take place during the legislative session and to caucus meetings that take place before session. We are also advocating for the creation of an ongoing forum to address concerns that arise over time. The definition of public business is currently tied to legislation only after it is introduced, and we are working to enhance transparency of conversations in advance of introduction.