First Regular Session

Sixty-first General Assembly

LLS NO. 97­0169.01D JY SENATE BILL 97­113

STATE OF COLORADO

BY SENATOR Norton;

also REPRESENTATIVE Swenson.

REENGROSSED

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

APPROPRIATIONS

A BILL FOR AN ACT

CONCERNING THE CREATION OF AN ADVISORY COMMISSION ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS.

Bill Summary

(Note: This summary applies to this bill as introduced and does not necessarily reflect any amendments which may be subsequently adopted.)

Creates the Colorado state­local forum, an advisory commission on intergovernmental relations, within the legislative council. Specifies the membership for the forum. Requires the president of the senate or his or her designee and the speaker of the house of representatives or his or her designee to alternate annually as chair of the forum. Requires a member of the forum representing local government to be selected annually as vice­chair of the forum. Requires legislative members of the forum to be appointed no later than 10 days after the convening of the first regular session of each general assembly. Specifies the term limits and the method of filling vacancies for the members of the forum. Requires such members to serve without compensation. Requires the forum to conduct meetings at least quarterly.

Designates the general powers of the state­local forum. Requires the forum to conduct specific functions relating to intergovernmental fiscal policy research. Directs the director of research of the legislative council to appoint the necessary staff to assist the forum in carrying out those specific functions. In performing any of its powers or duties, allows the state­local forum to request staff assistance from the legislative council, the joint budget committee, the office of state planning and budgeting, or from any other state department or agency. Requires state and local governmental organizations to make available any information requested by the state­local forum that is necessary in carrying out its powers and duties; except that the department of revenue shall only provide summary information and local governments shall only provide summary tax information that does not violate local government confidentiality laws on individual tax returns and reports.

Prohibits any member of the state­local forum or any state employee performing work on behalf of the forum to divulge certain information to any person outside of the legislative council. Specifies the penalty for divulging such information.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of Colorado:

SECTION 1.  Article 3 of title 2, Colorado Revised Statutes, 1980 Repl. Vol., as amended, is amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW PART to read:

PART 15

2­3­1501.  Legislative declaration.  (1)  IN ENACTING THIS PART 15, THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY EMPLOYS ITS LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY TO ESTABLISH A STATUTORY STATE­LOCAL FORUM ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS THAT WOULD REPLACE THE CURRENT STATE­LOCAL FORUM ESTABLISHED BY SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 93­10 AND AS MODIFIED BY HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 95­1007.

(2)  THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY HEREBY FINDS AND DECLARES THAT IT IS THE INTENT OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO ESTABLISH A STATUTORY STATE­LOCAL FORUM TO:

(a)  STRENGTHEN AND FACILITATE THE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS;

(b)  PROVIDE A NEUTRAL FORUM FOR REGULAR COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN A GROUP OF INTERESTED STATE AND LOCAL OFFICIALS TO EFFECTIVELY DISCUSS MUTUAL INTERESTS AND PROBLEMS; AND

(c)  PROVIDE STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY AND LEGAL AUTHORITY TO PROVIDE THE STATE, ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS, AND ITS CITIZENS WITH AN ONGOING INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISM THAT CAN EVALUATE AND PROPOSE SOLUTIONS TO INTERGOVERNMENTAL PROBLEMS THROUGH A PERMANENT INTERGOVERNMENTAL ENTITY.

2­3­1502.  Colorado state­local forum ­ advisory commission on intergovernmental relations ­ creation ­ membership. (1) (a)  THERE IS HEREBY CREATED WITHIN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THE COLORADO STATE­LOCAL FORUM, AN ADVISORY COMMISSION ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS, REFERRED TO IN THIS PART 15 AS THE "STATE­LOCAL FORUM".

(b)  THE COLORADO STATE­LOCAL FORUM ESTABLISHED PURSUANT TO SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 93­10 AND MODIFIED BY HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION 95­1007 IS HEREBY ABOLISHED.

(2)  THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM SHALL CONSIST OF TWENTY MEMBERS, WHO SHALL BE APPOINTED AS FOLLOWS:

(a)  SIX MEMBERS REPRESENTING THE COLORADO GENERAL ASSEMBLY AS FOLLOWS:

(I)  THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE;

(II)  THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE;

(III)  A MEMBER OF THE SENATE APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE;

(IV)  THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE SENATE OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE;

(V)  A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES;

(VI)  THE MINORITY LEADER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE;

(b)  EIGHT MEMBERS REPRESENTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT AS FOLLOWS: TWO MEMBERS, AT LEAST ONE OF WHICH SHALL BE AN ELECTED OFFICIAL, APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OR CHAIR OF THE MEMBER ASSOCIATION FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:

(I)  COUNTIES;

(II)  MUNICIPALITIES;

(III)  SPECIAL DISTRICTS;

(IV)  SCHOOL BOARDS;

(c)  THREE MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR; AND

(d)  THREE MEMBERS REPRESENTING PRIVATE INDUSTRY AS FOLLOWS:

(I)  ONE MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE;

(II)  ONE MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES;

(III)  ONE MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.

(3)  THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE SHALL ALTERNATELY SERVE AS CHAIR OF THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM ON AN ANNUAL BASIS, AND ONE OF THE MEMBERS REPRESENTING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS SPECIFIED IN PARAGRAPH (b) OF SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION SHALL BE SELECTED TO SERVE AS VICE­CHAIR OF THE FORUM ON AN ANNUAL BASIS.

(4)  THE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE AND THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SHALL APPOINT LEGISLATIVE MEMBERS PURSUANT TO SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION NO LATER THAN TEN DAYS AFTER THE CONVENING OF THE FIRST REGULAR SESSION OF EACH GENERAL ASSEMBLY. SUCH LEGISLATIVE MEMBERS SHALL SERVE ON THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM FOR TERMS OF TWO YEARS BEGINNING ON THE FIRST REGULAR SESSION OF EACH GENERAL ASSEMBLY; EXCEPT THAT THE FIRST LEGISLATIVE MEMBERS APPOINTED TO THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM SHALL SERVE FOR ONE­YEAR TERMS ENDING ON THE DAY IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO THE FIRST DAY OF THE FIRST REGULAR SESSION OF THE SIXTY­SECOND GENERAL ASSEMBLY.

(5)  OF THE FIRST MEMBERS APPOINTED TO REPRESENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (b) OF SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION, ONE OF THE TWO MEMBERS REPRESENTING EACH OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTAL GROUPS DESCRIBED IN SAID PARAGRAPH (b) SHALL SERVE ON THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS. THE REMAINING MEMBERS INITIALLY APPOINTED TO REPRESENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND MEMBERS SUBSEQUENTLY APPOINTED TO REPRESENT LOCAL GOVERNMENT SHALL SERVE FOR TERMS OF FOUR YEARS; EXCEPT THAT A MEMBER APPOINTED TO SUCCEED ANOTHER MEMBER WHOSE TERM HAS NOT EXPIRED SHALL BE APPOINTED FOR THE PERIOD OF THE UNEXPIRED TERM AND MAY BE SUBSEQUENTLY APPOINTED FOR A FOUR­YEAR TERM. IF ANY MEMBER OF THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM WHO IS AN ELECTED OFFICIAL REPRESENTING LOCAL GOVERNMENT CEASES TO BE AN ELECTED OFFICIAL, HIS OR HER MEMBERSHIP ON THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM SHALL TERMINATE IMMEDIATELY, AND A NEW MEMBER SHALL BE APPOINTED IN THE SAME MANNER AS HIS OR HER PREDECESSOR TO FILL THE UNEXPIRED TERM.

(6)  OF THE FIRST NONVOTING MEMBERS APPOINTED TO REPRESENT PRIVATE INDUSTRY PURSUANT TO PARAGRAPH (d) OF SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION, THE NONVOTING MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR SHALL SERVE ON THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS, AND THE NONVOTING MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SHALL SERVE ON THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM FOR A TERM OF THREE YEARS. THE REMAINING NONVOTING MEMBER INITIALLY APPOINTED TO REPRESENT PRIVATE INDUSTRY AND NONVOTING MEMBERS SUBSEQUENTLY APPOINTED TO REPRESENT PRIVATE INDUSTRY SHALL SERVE FOR TERMS OF FOUR YEARS; EXCEPT THAT A NONVOTING MEMBER APPOINTED TO SUCCEED ANOTHER NONVOTING MEMBER WHOSE TERM HAS NOT EXPIRED SHALL BE APPOINTED FOR THE PERIOD OF THE UNEXPIRED TERM AND MAY BE SUBSEQUENTLY APPOINTED FOR A FOUR­YEAR TERM.

(7)  VACANCIES IN THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM SHALL BE FILLED IN THE SAME MANNER AS ORIGINAL APPOINTMENTS ARE MADE UNDER SUBSECTION (2) OF THIS SECTION.

(8)  THE MEMBERS OF THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM SHALL SERVE WITHOUT COMPENSATION.

2­3­1503.  Meetings. THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM SHALL CONDUCT MEETINGS AT LEAST QUARTERLY UPON THE CALL OF THE CHAIR. ALL MEETINGS OF THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM AT WHICH PUBLIC BUSINESS IS DISCUSSED OR FORMAL ACTION IS TAKEN SHALL CONFORM TO THE OPEN MEETINGS LAW SET FORTH IN PART 4 OF ARTICLE 6 OF TITLE 24, C.R.S.

2­3­1504.  Powers.  (1)  THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING POWERS TO:

(a)  DISCUSS STATE­LOCAL ISSUES;

(b)  CONDUCT RESEARCH ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL ISSUES;

(c)  ENCOURAGE AND COORDINATE STUDIES RELATING TO INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS CONDUCTED BY UNIVERSITIES; STATE, LOCAL, AND FEDERAL AGENCIES; AND RESEARCH AND CONSULTING ORGANIZATIONS;

(d)  REVIEW THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF NATIONAL COMMISSIONS, INSTITUTES, OR OTHER ORGANIZATIONS THAT ARE ANALYZING FEDERAL, STATE, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONSHIPS AND PROBLEMS AND ASSESS THEIR IMPACT ON THE STATE OF COLORADO;

(e)  DEVELOP POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS AS SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS TO STATE­LOCAL PROBLEMS; AND

(f)  ENGAGE IN SUCH OTHER ACTIVITIES, STUDIES, AND INVESTIGATIONS AS ARE NECESSARY OR DESIRABLE IN ACCOMPLISHING THE PURPOSES SET FORTH IN SECTION 2­3­1501 (2).

2­3­1505.  Duties relating to fiscal policy research. (1)   SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 2­3­1507, IN ADDITION TO THE GENERAL POWERS SET FORTH IN SECTION 2­3­1504, THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM SHALL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING FUNCTIONS RELATING TO INTERGOVERNMENTAL FISCAL POLICY RESEARCH:

(a)  GATHER INFORMATION FROM STUDIES THAT HAVE BEEN DONE ON STATE AND LOCAL FISCAL ISSUES;

(b)  ANALYZE AND STUDY VARIOUS STATE­LOCAL FISCAL ISSUES, WHICH INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

(I)  EROSION OF THE STATE AND LOCAL TAX BASES;

(II)  THE FISCAL EFFECTS OF SECTION 20 OF ARTICLE X OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION;

(III)  THE FISCAL EFFECTS OF SECTION 3 OF ARTICLE X OF THE COLORADO CONSTITUTION;

(IV)  EFFICIENCY CONSIDERATIONS;

(V)  THE ROLES, FAIRNESS, AND STABILITY OF EACH OF THE TAXES UTILIZED TO FINANCE THE OPERATIONS OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS;

(VI)  THE CAPACITY OF THE CURRENT TAX STRUCTURE TO ADEQUATELY FINANCE THE SERVICES OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS;

(VII)  THE EQUITY OF STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT TAX BURDEN;

(VIII)  THE IMPACT OF PROPOSED FEDERAL TAX AND REVENUE LAW CHANGES;

(IX)  THE MANNER IN WHICH STATE AND LOCAL TAXES RESPOND TO THE ECONOMY; AND

(X)  TAX RELIEF;

(c)  DEVELOP AND PROPOSE SOLUTIONS TO ANY PROBLEMS FOUND IN THE ANALYSIS AND STUDY OF THE ISSUES DESCRIBED IN PARAGRAPH (b) OF THIS SUBSECTION (1);

(d)  UPON THE REQUEST OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY, THE GOVERNOR, OR A GOVERNING BODY OF A LOCAL GOVERNMENT AND WITHIN RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR SUCH PURPOSES, ANALYZE THE FISCAL EFFECTS ON STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS OF ANY STATE OR LOCAL PROPOSAL, LAW, OR CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT. IF SUCH REQUESTS EXCEED THE RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO PERFORM SUCH ANALYSES, THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM SHALL PRIORITIZE THE REQUESTS AND SHALL DETERMINE WHICH ANALYSES SHALL BE PERFORMED WITHIN A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME.

(e)  PROVIDE A DATA CENTER AND CLEARINGHOUSE FOR FISCAL INFORMATION ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL ISSUES; AND

(f)  OVERSEE THE ACTIVITIES OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL STAFF DESIGNATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO ASSIST THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM IN THE PERFORMANCE OF ITS FUNCTIONS DESCRIBED IN THIS SECTION.

2­3­1506.  Staff assistance. (1)   SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 2­3­1507, UNDER THE POWERS CONFERRED TO THE DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN PART 3 OF THIS ARTICLE, THE DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH, UPON CONSULTATION WITH THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM, SHALL APPOINT AND DETERMINE THE SALARY OF THE PROFESSIONAL, TECHNICAL, OR CLERICAL STAFF OR OTHER EMPLOYEES NECESSARY TO ASSIST THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM IN CARRYING OUT ITS FUNCTIONS RELATING TO FISCAL RESEARCH AS DESCRIBED IN SECTION 2­3­1505. ANY APPOINTMENT MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH PURSUANT TO THIS SUBSECTION (1) SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.

(2)  IN ADDITION TO THE STAFF APPOINTED UNDER SUBSECTION (1) OF THIS SECTION, THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM MAY REQUEST ADDITIONAL STAFF ASSISTANCE FROM THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE JOINT BUDGET COMMITTEE, THE OFFICE OF STATE PLANNING AND BUDGETING, OR ANY OTHER STATE DEPARTMENT OR AGENCY AS NECESSARY IN CARRYING OUT ANY OF THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM UNDER THIS PART 15. THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHALL PROVIDE NECESSARY SECRETARIAL AND CLERICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM.

2­3­1507.  Funding for fiscal policy research. (1)  BY OCTOBER 1, 1997, THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHALL ADOPT A PLAN TO PAY FOR THE PERSONNEL COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DUTIES OF THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM RELATING TO FISCAL POLICY RESEARCH PURSUANT TO SECTIONS 2­3­1505 AND 2­3­1506 WITHIN THE LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE 1997­98 FISCAL YEAR. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHALL ALSO IDENTIFY IN SUCH PLAN ANY PERMANENT SOURCES OF FUNDING FOR SUCH COSTS. UPON A DETERMINATION THAT SUFFICIENT FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE WITHIN BUDGET LINE ITEMS IN THE LEGISLATIVE APPROPRIATION TO THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR THE 1997­98 FISCAL YEAR, SUCH PLAN SHALL BE IMPLEMENTED BY A BUDGET AMENDMENT ADOPTED BY THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR SUCH FISCAL YEAR.

(2)  THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL STAFF SHALL ABSORB WITHIN EXISTING APPROPRIATIONS ANY OPERATING AND CAPITAL OUTLAY COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DUTIES OF THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM RELATING TO FISCAL POLICY RESEARCH UNDER SECTIONS 2­3­1505 AND 2­3­1506.

2­3­1508.  Access to information ­ confidentiality required. (1) (a)  EXCEPT AS PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH (b) OF THIS SUBSECTION (1), EACH OFFICER, BOARD, COMMISSION, COUNCIL, DEPARTMENT, AGENCY, OR OTHER ORGANIZATION OF STATE OR LOCAL GOVERNMENT SHALL MAKE AVAILABLE ALL FACTS, RECORDS, INFORMATION, AND DATA REQUESTED BY THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM AND SHALL COOPERATE WITH THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM IN CARRYING OUT ITS POWERS AND DUTIES UNDER THIS PART 15, NOTWITHSTANDING ANY OTHER PROVISION OF LAW REQUIRING THE CONFIDENTIALITY OF SUCH INFORMATION.

(b) (I)  THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE SHALL COOPERATE WITH THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM IN CARRYING OUT ITS POWERS AND DUTIES UNDER THIS PART 15 BY PROVIDING SUMMARY INFORMATION. FOR ALL TAX INFORMATION, EXCEPT INCOME TAX INFORMATION, THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, AT THE DIRECTOR'S DISCRETION, MAY APPOINT INDIVIDUAL STAFF OF THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM AS THE DIRECTOR'S AGENT FOR PURPOSES OF ACCESS TO CONFIDENTIAL TAX INFORMATION. SUCH AGENT SHALL ONLY RELEASE SUCH INFORMATION TO THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM IN SUMMARY FORM AS REQUIRED BY SECTION 39­21­113 (5), C.R.S., AND SUCH AGENT SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ANY STATUTE OR RULE THAT APPLIES TO AN EMPLOYEE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE.

(II)  LOCAL GOVERNMENTS SHALL COOPERATE WITH THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM IN CARRYING OUT ITS POWERS AND DUTIES UNDER THIS PART 15 BY PROVIDING SUMMARY TAX INFORMATION THAT DOES NOT VIOLATE ANY APPLICABLE LOCAL GOVERNMENT LAWS GOVERNING CONFIDENTIAL INDIVIDUAL TAX RETURNS OR REPORTS.

(2)  NO MEMBER OF THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM AND NO EMPLOYEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OR OF ANY OTHER STATE AGENCY PERFORMING WORK ON BEHALF OF THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM SHALL REVEAL TO ANY PERSON OUTSIDE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THE CONTENTS OR NATURE OF ANY FACTS, RECORDS, INFORMATION, AND DATA REQUESTED BY OR ON BEHALF OF THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM THAT ARE SUBJECT TO ANY CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS UNDER LAW. IN ADDITION, ANY FISCAL DATA RELATING TO TAXPAYER INFORMATION SHALL BE SUBJECT TO ANY CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS AS PROVIDED BY LAW AND SHALL BE PRESENTED IN SUCH A MANNER THAT THE SOURCE CANNOT BE IDENTIFIED. ANY EMPLOYEE FAILING TO ABIDE BY THE REQUIREMENTS SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE SUBJECT TO DISCIPLINARY ACTION, INCLUDING TERMINATION FROM HIS OF HER POSITION OF EMPLOYMENT.

2­3­1509.  Reports.  THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM SHALL PREPARE AN ANNUAL REPORT BY NOVEMBER 30, 1998, AND EACH YEAR THEREAFTER, WHICH REPORT SHALL CONTAIN A SUMMARY OF THE ACTIVITIES OF THE STATE­LOCAL FORUM DURING THE PREVIOUS YEAR. COPIES OF THE ANNUAL REPORT SHALL BE SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNOR, THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AND TO THE MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS FOR THE COUNTIES, MUNICIPALITIES, SPECIAL DISTRICTS, AND SCHOOL BOARDS.

SECTION 2.  2­3­304, Colorado Revised Statutes, 1980 Repl. Vol., as amended, is amended BY THE ADDITION OF A NEW SUBSECTION to read:

2­3­304.  Director of research ­ assistants. (7)  SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 2­3­1507, THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL STAFF SHALL ASSIST THE COLORADO STATE­LOCAL FORUM, AN ADVISORY COMMISSION ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS, IN CARRYING OUT ITS FUNCTIONS UNDER PART 15 OF THIS ARTICLE.

SECTION 3.  No appropriation. The general assembly has determined that this act can be implemented within existing appropriations, and therefore no separate appropriation of state moneys is necessary to carry out the purposes of this act.

SECTION 4.  Effective date. This act shall take effect July 1, 1997.

SECTION 5.  Safety clause. The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, and safety.