Colorado § 2-2-329 - Administrator of legislative safety - definitions - repeal.

§ 2-2-329. Administrator of legislative safety - definitions - repeal.

(1) As used in this section, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) "Covered individual" means a member of the general assembly, an employee of the general assembly, or any other individual designated as a "covered individual" by the executive committee of the legislative council.

(b) "State capitol buildings complex" has the meaning set forth in section 24-82-105 (1)(a).

(2) (a) The executive committee of the legislative council may, subject to available appropriations, appoint an administrator of legislative safety to serve as the primary point of contact for covered individuals on all matters relating to their personal safety and security and to coordinate security and protection for covered individuals with the Colorado state patrol. The administrator of legislative safety is paid a salary determined by the executive committee. The administrator of legislative safety shall be appointed without reference to affiliation and solely on the basis of their ability to perform the duties of the position. The administrator of legislative safety, with approval of the executive committee, may appoint additional personnel as necessary to perform the functions assigned to the administrator of legislative safety by the executive committee. The administrator of legislative safety, and any additional personnel appointed by the administrator of legislative safety, is an employee of the general assembly and is not subject to the state personnel system laws.

(b) The administrator of legislative safety is the primary recipient of complaints relating to criminal activity against or security threats or risks to a member of the general assembly and serves as the primary coordinator of all security and protection efforts for covered individuals in coordination with the Colorado state patrol. The administrator of legislative safety shall identify and assess the nature of security needs and risks in and around the state capitol buildings complex, for covered individuals in their districts, and for functions or events attended by covered individuals. In determining an appropriate response to any security need or risk, the administrator of legislative safety shall coordinate with the Colorado state patrol and may coordinate with local law enforcement and the sergeants at arms of each house of the general assembly appointed in accordance with section 2-2-402. The administrator of legislative safety shall develop recommended policies and procedures for the executive committee of the legislative council to consider in connection with criminal activity against or security threats or risks to covered individuals.

(c) The administrator of legislative safety performs their duties under the direction and supervision of the executive committee of the legislative council and retains the discretion to determine the need for security and protection services based on where protection and security services are requested, the estimated level of threat or risk to a covered individual, staffing requirements, and any policy direction established by the executive committee of the legislative council.

(3) (a) The administrator of legislative safety, and any personnel appointed by the administrator of legislative safety to assist in performing the administrator of legislative safety's duties pursuant to subsection (2)(a) of this section, is a peace officer whose authority includes enforcing all laws of the state and who may be certified by the P.O.S.T. board as specified in section 16-2.5-154.

(b) (I) The executive committee of the legislative council shall submit a sunrise application pursuant to section 16-2.5-201 by July 1, 2026, to determine if any change in peace officer status is necessary.

(II) This subsection (3)(b) is repealed, effective January 1, 2028.

(4) In addition to the duties specified in this section, the administrator of legislative safety shall:

(a) Upon request of the secretary of the senate or the chief clerk of the house of representatives, consult with the secretary of the senate or the chief clerk of the house of representatives regarding the appointment, supervision, and training of the sergeants at arms of their respective chamber pursuant to section 2-2-402;

(b) Coordinate the installation of home security systems for members of the general assembly, subject to available appropriation by the general assembly or the receipt of gifts, grants, or donations for that purpose;

(c) In coordination with the Colorado state patrol, assess and plan for security needs related to town halls, district events, and other official functions attended by covered individuals and direct the deployment of appropriate Colorado state patrol resources for such events; and

(d) In coordination with the Colorado state patrol, ensure that covered individuals are aware of the protection and security services that they may request from the administrator of legislative safety pursuant to this section and from the Colorado state patrol pursuant to section 24-33.5-216.5.

(5) The executive committee of the legislative council shall establish a process by which a covered individual may request protection from the administrator of legislative safety pursuant to this section. All such requests shall be directed through the administrator of legislative safety as the primary point of contact.

(6) This section does not impact the security that the Colorado state patrol provides pursuant to section 24-33.5-216.5. The Colorado state patrol remains the primary police agency for the state capitol buildings complex and the primary source of security for members of the general assembly.

Source: L. 2026: Entire section added, (HB 26-1422), ch. 331, p. 1927, § 1, effective June 2.

PART 4

INTERFERENCE WITH THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

Cross references: For legislative witnesses, see § 8-2.5-101.