Committee advances bill forcing agency liaisons to file lobby-style disclosures

Representatives Johnson and Froelich presented Senate Bill 147 as a transparency measure that would require executive-branch legislative liaisons and judicial branch liaisons to file the same 72-hour positional disclosures and monthly reporting that lobbyists already make. Sponsors said the change's goal is to provide a consistent public record of who is trying to influence legislation and to eliminate duplicative or opaque reporting by agency staff.

Witnesses for the bill included the Colorado Lobbyist Association, the Colorado AFL-CIO and other advocacy groups who argued the statute levels the playing field for outside advocates and improves reporters' and lawmakers' ability to see which agencies are supporting, opposing or amending bills. Supporters also described a two-year revolving-door restriction for former legislators accepting liaison roles as consistent with existing post-employment lobby rules.

Committee members asked about enforcement and Secretary of State capacity to monitor filings; witnesses said the Secretary of State already enforces lobbyist registration and complaint processes and that enforcement would be folded into existing systems. After testimony and no committee amendments, the committee voted 11-0 to advance SB 147 to Appropriations with a favorable review.

What happens next: The bill goes to the Appropriations Committee for fiscal review and potential floor scheduling.