Committee advances bill easing bonding rules for volunteer charity auctioneers

The committee advanced House Bill 1025, a technical bill that reduces bonding and application burdens for auctioneers who volunteer at charity events and do not handle funds.

Senator Pelton described the bill as removing an obligation for auctioneers who do not take custody of funds to post code‑required bonds. Nonprofit witnesses said the current process requires a bond and a complicated application even for occasional volunteers, discouraging participation. David Cardella (Colorado Independent Automobile Dealers Association) and Rich Sher (Colorado Auctioneers Association) said the change will ease logistical burdens and help charities raise funds.

The committee voted to move the bill to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation. Roll call recorded four members present voting in favor and one member excused; the measure passed and was placed on the consent calendar.

Supporters said the bill narrows the regulated activity to those who actually handle funds and removes red tape for volunteers. The committee recorded no opposition and praised the bill as straightforward and practical for nonprofit fundraising.