s_sa_2017a_2017-04-05t13:32:09z2 Hearing Summary

Date: 04/05/2017

Location: SCR 357

03:11 PM -- HB17-1177



Senator Cooke, sponsor, presented House Bill 17-1177 to the committee. This reengrossed bill makes changes to the Colorado Open Records Act (CORA). It lengthens the mandatory waiting period between a denial of a records request and the filing of a motion in district court from 3 to 14 days. It requires that during the 14-day period, the custodian who has denied the request either meet with the requester or speak with him or her by phone to attempt to resolve the dispute outside of court. The custodian and requester may seek any alternative dispute resolution method that is agreeable to both parties. Unless they come to a different agreement, the parties must share equally any costs associated with resolving the dispute. If the requester needs access to the record on an expedited basis, he or she must provide written notice of the need for urgency to the custodian at least three business days prior to filing the application with the district court, and no meeting is required to take place between the parties.



03:14 PM -- Richard Orf, representing the Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado, testified on the bill.



03:15 PM -- Mike Maday, representing the Mediation Association of Colorado, testified in support of the bill.



03:17 PM -- Greg Romberg, representing the Colorado Press Association and the Colorado Broadcasters Association, testified in support of the bill.





03:19 PM



Senator Cooke wrapped up his presentation of the bill. Committee members commented on the bill.

03:21 PM



The committee recessed.