This bill modifies existing state law regarding who has the authority to administer oaths and affirmations in Colorado. The amendment clarifies and expands the list of individuals who can legally perform this function.
Expanding Who Can Administer Oaths & Affirmations
Current Law:
Judges, magistrates, referees, clerks, and deputy clerks of courts in Colorado.
Court reporters with Registered Professional Reporter (RPR) certification.
Members of the Public Utilities Commission and the Division of Labor Standards and Statistics.
Notaries public.
New Additions & Clarifications:
Expands the authority to Certified Verbatim Reporters (CVRs) and Certified Verbatim Reporter - Stenotype professionals (official stenographers for legal proceedings).
Clarifies that governing bodies (e.g., county commissioners) can designate specific individuals to administer oaths.
What It Means: More professionals can administer oaths, making the legal process more efficient. Ensures that court reporting professionals with verbatim transcription certifications can legally administer oaths for depositions and legal proceedings.
Clarifying When & Where Oaths Can Be Administered
Legal case (pending or starting in court).
Affidavits or depositions required by law.
Swearing-in ceremonies for government officials.
What It Means: Court reporters and officials can legally swear in witnesses or take official statements in more situations.
Overall Impact of the Law
Expands who can administer oaths, making legal processes more accessible and efficient.
Supports legal professionals, particularly court reporters and government officials, by clarifying their authority.
Ensures oaths and affirmations are properly handled in courts, legal proceedings, and government functions.
Summary
Current law does not allow a voice court reporter to administer an
oath or affirmation. The bill adds voice reporters to the list of professionals who may administer an oath or affirmation.
