The proposed bill seeks to expand the jurisdiction of Colorado's Independent Ethics Commission (IEC) to include specific officials and employees within special districts and school districts. Currently, the IEC's oversight does not extend to these entities.
Key Provisions:
Expanded Jurisdiction:
Special Districts: The IEC would gain authority over board members and employees directly appointed by and reporting to the board.
School Districts: The IEC's oversight would encompass school board members and superintendents or chief administrative officers appointed by and reporting directly to the school board.
Scope of Authority:
The IEC would be empowered to hear complaints, issue findings, assess penalties, and provide advisory opinions on ethical matters concerning the specified officials and employees.
The ethical standards under the IEC's purview would include those outlined in Article XXIX of the Colorado Constitution, as well as existing standards applicable to special and school district personnel.
By broadening the IEC's jurisdiction, the bill aims to enhance ethical oversight and accountability within Colorado's special and school districts, ensuring that key officials and employees adhere to established ethical standards.
Summary
Under current law, the independent ethics commission created in
article XXIX of the state constitution does not have jurisdiction over officials or employees of special districts or school districts. The bill gives the independent ethics commission jurisdiction to hear complaints, issue findings, assess penalties, and issue advisory opinions on ethics issues concerning a special district official or employee or school district official or employee. However:
•
Officials include only members of a school district or special district board;
•
School district employee includes only the superintendent or head administrative officer designated by a school board to execute its policy decisions who is appointed or hired by, directly reports to, and is subject to the direction of the school district board; and
•
Special district employee includes only an employee of a special district who is appointed or hired by, directly reports to, and is subject to the direction of the special district's board.
Existing law establishes ethical standards for a special district
official or employee or school district official or employee. The bill incorporates those standards under the independent ethics commission's jurisdiction and expands the standards to include those described in article XXIX of the state constitution.
