Committee backs small change to Colorado Channel Authority appointments

The State Civic, Military and Veterans Affairs Committee moved Senate Bill 154 to the Appropriations Committee after a short presentation and no public testimony.

Minority Leader Caldwell, the bill sponsor, told the committee the change would "modify the Colorado Channel Authority Board" and allow legislative leaders to appoint whoever they prefer to the four seats now reserved for legislators. Caldwell said the measure addresses recurring quorum problems that made it difficult for the board to meet the statutory voting threshold in past years.

Chair Wilford closed the witness phase after noting written testimony was available to members but that no one had signed up to testify in person. Vice Chair Clifford moved the bill to Appropriations with a favorable recommendation; the committee recorded a roll call and Ms. King announced the measure passed on a vote of 9–0 with two members excused.

The bill’s language, as described in committee, does not force legislators off the board but gives leaders discretion to appoint non‑legislators when schedules make quorum difficult. The sponsor framed the change as a governance and cost‑savings move and asked members for support.

The bill now goes to the Appropriations Committee for fiscal review.