Push to Enshrine the Public’s Right to Know in Colorado Constitution Gains Steam
By Jeffrey A. Roberts | Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition
Colorado’s constitution guarantees freedom of speech and freedom of the press, broadly stating that “every person shall be free to speak, write or publish whatever he will on any subject.”
Should it also guarantee freedom of information?
An ad hoc group that includes the Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition is exploring that idea this summer for a possible ballot initiative in 2026. The impetus is what seems to be a backsliding in the General Assembly on government transparency matters: The legislature exempted itself from major portions of the Colorado Open Meetings Law in 2024 and lawmakers next year will likely try for a third straight session to weaken the Colorado Open Records Act.
Also involved in the ...