Litigation

New CO Disclosure Law is Signed, Takes Effect

By Peter Hardin

Colorado has enacted a new law requiring disclosure of corporate and labor union spending on political elections. It joins a growing number of states taking action to blunt the impact of the Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision.

Gov. Bill Ritter signed into law on Tuesday a bill requiring corporations and unions to disclosure independent political expenditures of more than $1,000 through registration as independent expenditure committees. It is intended to allow citizens to follow the corporate political money.

These political ads also will have to tell who paid for them, the Durango Herald reported.

State Sen. Morgan Carroll, a sponsor of the bill, said in a statement, ?To ensure fair and free elections, Colorado voters have consistently voted for transparency and accountability in the election process. We are protecting that legacy by holding corporations and unions to the same standards of accountability and transparency as we do for individuals.”

Another bill signed by Ritter requires committees supporting or opposing ballot initiatives to identify themselves, according to a Denver Business Journal article.

These other states have voted for greater disclosure of corporate political spending following the blockbuster campaign finance decision: Minnesota, where legislation was sent to the governor for his signature, and Arizona, South Dakota, West Virginia and Iowa (see Gavel Grab.)

In another state, Wisconsin, the Government Accountability Board adopted a rule for greater disclosure requirements, and the legislature chose not to override the new regulation.

In Citizens United, the Supreme Court struck down prohibitions on corporate spending for elections and opened the door to unlimited election spending by special interests. You can read Justice at Stake said about the ruling by clicking here, or click here to see the JAS amicus brief in the case; you can visit Gavel Grab to learn how legislators and other executive branch officials have responded.

Full post as published by The Gavel on May 26, 2010 (boomark / email).