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HB 25-1246

Limit Peace Officer Partisan Political Activities

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Javier Mabrey and 1 co-sponsor

HB 25-1246 prohibits Colorado peace officers from engaging in partisan politics while in uniform or using public resources, ensuring impartiality in their duties.

House Committee on State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs Postpone Indefinitely
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Bill Summary · HB 25-1246

Summary of HB 25-1246: Limit Peace Officer Partisan Political Activities

Bill Overview

Bill Number: HB 25-1246
Introduced On: February 12, 2025
Status: Postponed Indefinitely by the House Committee on State, Civic, Military, & Veterans Affairs on March 3, 2025
Prime Sponsors: Rep. Marshall, Rep. Mabrey

The purpose of HB 25-1246 is to regulate the political activities of certain peace officers in Colorado, specifically prohibiting them from engaging in partisan political activities while in uniform or using public resources.

Key Provisions

  • Definition of Covered Peace Officers: The bill designates "covered peace officers" as those who are:

    • Public officials or employees of a political subdivision of the state.
    • Required to be certified by the P.O.S.T. (Peace Officer Standards and Training) board.

  • Prohibitions: Covered peace officers would be prohibited from:

    • Using public resources for campaigning for or against any candidate.
    • Engaging in partisan political activities while in uniform.

  • Penalties for Violations:

    • Violators would face a civil infraction with a penalty of up to $1,000.
    • Potential dismissal from their position as a peace officer.

  • Reporting Violations: Individuals can file an affidavit with the district attorney to report violations, which must be investigated promptly. The Attorney General also has the authority to file and prosecute complaints.

Impact

Affected Entities

  • Peace Officers: The bill specifically targets peace officers employed by local governments, school districts, and other political subdivisions.
  • Local Governments and School Districts: These entities would need to adjust their policies and notify staff about the new regulations, although the expected workload increase is minimal.

Financial Implications

  • State Revenue: The bill could generate minimal revenue from fines imposed on violators, but it is assumed that compliance would be high, resulting in little to no revenue.
  • State Expenditures: There may be a slight increase in workload for the Attorney General's office and the judicial system to handle any complaints or cases arising from this bill.

Effective Date

If passed, the bill would take effect 90 days after the adjournment of the General Assembly, unless a referendum petition is filed.

Conclusion

HB 25-1246 aimed to ensure that peace officers maintain an impartial stance in their duties by limiting their involvement in partisan political activities. However, the bill was postponed indefinitely, meaning it will not advance in the legislative process at this time.

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

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