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HJR 1029

Investigate Alleged Violations of False Claims Act

2026 Regular Session

Calls for a neutral, conflict-free investigation into alleged Colorado False Claims Act violations by appointing an out-of-state attorney general and creating a joint legislative o

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Bill Summary · HJR 1029

Summary of HJR 1029 (2026A) – Colorado

What the bill is

  • Type: House Joint Resolution (HJR) in Colorado, introduced in the 2026 legislative session.
  • Purpose: Call for an impartial, conflict-free investigation into alleged violations of the Colorado False Claims Act (and related public corruption issues) by designating an alternative state attorney general and establishing a joint select committee to oversee the process.

Main purpose and intent

  • The resolution asserts that credible evidence exists of retaliation against whistleblowers and officials, alleged misconduct within Colorado state and local government, and various high-profile concerns (e.g., alleged judicial branch misconduct, interference with elections, misuse of public resources).
  • It argues that conflicts of interest within the Colorado Attorney General’s Office (the Department of Law) impede impartial enforcement of the Colorado False Claims Act.
  • It seeks to have a neutral, non-Colorado-Office-of-the-Attorney-General-led investigation into potential violations of the Colorado False Claims Act and related statutes.

Key provisions and changes (as proposed by the resolution)

  1. Shift of investigation authority (conflict-free investigation):

    • Request the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to assign an office other than the Denver or Wyoming DOJ offices to perform a conflict-free investigation into alleged public corruption in Colorado state and local governments.

  2. Appointment of a special Attorney General (Special Assistant AG):

    • Under Section 24-31-111(5), designate and appoint another state's attorney general (from one of the other states or the District of Columbia) who has an equivalent civil False Claims Act, to serve as Special Assistant Attorney General.
    • This Special Assistant AG would investigate and represent the State of Colorado’s interests regarding alleged violations of the Colorado False Claims Act and related laws.
    • Funding for this role would come from money already appropriated to Colorado’s Department of Law.

  3. Formation of a joint select committee:

    • In line with Joint Rule 41, seek appointments by the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate to form a joint select committee made up of members from both chambers.
    • The committee would implement and carry out the resolution’s objectives.

  4. Official actions and communications:

    • The resolution directs sending copies of the resolution to Governor Jared Polis and the United States Attorney General.

Who would be affected

  • The Colorado Department of Law (Attorney General’s Office) would see changes in oversight for this specific investigation, given the stated conflicts.
  • A designated out-of-state attorney general (as Special Assistant AG) would be empowered to lead the investigation on Colorado’s behalf.
  • The U.S. Department of Justice, specifically the DOJ offices in Denver or Wyoming, would be bypassed for this investigation.
  • A joint House-Senate select committee would oversee implementation and ensure coordination between chambers.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The resolution requests formal actions:
    • Submission to the U.S. DOJ to reallocate the investigation.
    • Appointment of a Special Assistant AG from another state or D.C., funded from existing Colorado Department of Law appropriations.
    • Appointment by Joint Rule 41 of a joint select committee to implement the resolution.
  • As a joint resolution, it expresses intent and requests actions rather than mandating immediate statutory changes. If adopted, it would initiate a process involving federal engagement, intergovernmental coordination, and cross-chamber oversight.

Notes

  • The resolution cites concerns about alleged retaliation against whistleblowers and several high-profile misconduct allegations as context for seeking an impartial investigation.
  • It references the Colorado False Claims Act and notes perceived conflicts of interest that would justify a non-state-law-enforcement lead on the investigation.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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