By Marianne Goodland | Colorado Politics
Democratic lawmakers, who are preparing for a fight with the executive branch over a myriad of issues, will seek an override of Gov. Jared Polis’ veto on Friday of a bill that sought to increase deadlines to fulfill public records requests in Colorado.
Senate Bill 77 sought to change the state’s open records law by increasing the costs of open records requests, creating three classes of requesters, and extending the time a governmental entity must comply with those requests. One of the main criticisms of the bill was that it allowed the media to receive public records quicker than the general public.
Polis vetoed the bill last week, citing concerns over its creation of three classes of requesters — mass media, those who seek open records for financial gain, and everyone else.
The bill, sponsored by Sens. Cathy Kipp, D-Fort Collins, and Janice Rich, R-Grand Junction, initially won a 27-6 vote from the state Senate, more than enough to sustain a two-thirds majority for a veto.
In the House, Reps. Michael Carter, D-Aurora, and Matt Soper, R-Delta, sponsored the measure, which passed, 45-19, just one vote above the two-thirds majority needed for an override.
The question now is whether the governor has the influence to sway a few lawmakers to vote “no” to an override.
Also, are there Republicans who would change their “no” votes to “yes,” taking the opportunity to embarrass the governor?