Prohibits certain partisan political activities by publicly-employed certified peace officers while in uniform or using government resources.  We are disappointed to report that this bill failed in the State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs House Committee.  Bob anticipates reintroducing this bill in the next session.

The links at the bottom of this page will make it easy to find contact information for your representatives.

House Bill #25-1246

CONCERNING THE PROHIBITION OF CERTAIN PARTISAN POLITICAL ACTIVITIES BY PUBLICLY EMPLOYED CERTIFIED PEACE OFFICERS WHILE IN UNIFORM OR USING GOVERNMENT RESOURCES.

The bill defines a "covered peace officer" as a peace officer who:

• is a public official or employed by a political subdivision of the state; and
• is required to be certified by the P.O.S.T. board.

The bill prohibits a covered peace officer from:

• using or authorizing the use of public resources for the purpose of campaigning for or against the nomination or election of a candidate; and
• engaging in partisan political activity while wearing a uniform required by a political subdivision of the state.

The bill includes a penalty for violating these prohibitions of up to $1,000 and potential dismissal from employment as a covered peace officer.

A note from the Colorado Forward Party Legislative Subcommittee:

When a peace officer speaks on behalf of a candidate, the officer should not be in uniform and should not be using government funded time and resources.  This bill will certify that these acts are not lawful in Colorado.  Below is an example of what this bill will avoid Steve.

Wendy Petry - Colorado Forward Party Legislative Committee Chair

A note from CO FWD affiliate Bob Marshall HD43, who authored this legislation:

The conceptual genesis of this bill is simple: Law enforcement should not engage in partisan political activity while in uniform or using government resources.  Most constituents who hear this have responded: "That's legal now?"  The answer is yes, and it is frequently abused.  The bill is based upon a Nebraska law and was written to track it.  The bill does not impact First Amendment rights at all.  Law enforcement can continue to engage in political activity, just not in uniform (which belongs to the people and the state, not the individual officer) or using government resources/property.  Law enforcement should not be seen as a partisan activity.  Unfortunately, too many in law enforcement view the badge and their authority as belonging to them rather being entrusted to them by the people.

To support this legislation, please write to or call your representatives.  House Representatives have the first opportunity to vote on the bill.  Once passed in the House, the Senate will then vote.  -- Your voice matters!!

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Here is an example of partisan political activity while in official uniform which this bill would explicitly prohibit: