Colorado House gives initial OK on public records mediation

Coloradans disputing records denials have one option: Go to court. The new bill would encourage both parties to try to agree on a solution without litigation.

AP_LOGO_02
Associated Press

DENVER (AP) — The Colorado House has given initial approval to a bill offering mediation to resolve disputes involving denials of public record requests.

The bill by Centennial Republican Rep. Cole Wist and Denver Democratic Rep. Alec Garnett passed by voice vote Tuesday. It awaits another procedural vote before going to the Senate.

Coloradans disputing records denials have one option: Go to court. That prospect is costly and deters many from pursuing the information they seek.

The new bill would encourage both parties to try to agree on a solution without litigation. It leaves open the possibility of court action.

At least 26 states have mediation procedures to resolve public records disputes more quickly.

Colorado’s courts have set a $75 per-hour, per-party mediation cost in civil cases.

Weird times

Denverite is powered by you. In these weird times, the local vigilance, the local context, the local flavor — it’s powered through your donations. If you’d miss Denverite if it disappeared tomorrow, donate today.

Support our work

You’re our superpower

Denverite supporters have made the decision to financially support local journalism that matters to you. Ready to tell your networks why? Sharing our “About” page with your own personal comments could really help us out.

Here’s that page

You’re our superpower

Denverite members have made the decision to financially support local journalism that matters to you. Ready to tell your networks why? Sharing our “About” page with your own personal comments could really help us out.

Here’s that page

Tagged

public records mediation, texting while driving