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While it might seem like it doesn't need to be said, the job of a Representative is to represent the voters of the district. Chris will always seek and accept the ideas and opinions of his constituents. He also recognizes that while the people he serves live their lives, they might not always have time to look at every bill that he must vote on. So, knowing how he assesses legislation that comes before him is very important.
In each legislative session, several hundred bills are considered by legislators. Over the years, Chris has established firm principles that he uses to determine if a proposed bill should be supported or opposed.
“Every year, each of the 100 legislators in the Colorado General Assembly (35 Senators and 65 Representatives) can initiate 5 bills. Each of these 500 pieces of legislation, plus others submitted by committees and approved by legislative leadership, can result in new laws, amend, or repeal existing law.
“In general, I prefer to support legislation that repeals or amends existing law. I fully subscribe to the notion often attributed to Thomas Jefferson, that ‘The government that governs least, governs best.’ If we haven’t had a need for legislation for the nearly 150 years of our state’s existence, then the bar should be set very high to adopt any new law or establish any new program.
“I will not support bills that:
Lack clear constitutional authority for the action proposed.
Expand state government at the expense of local authorities or individual freedoms.
Curtail the property rights/or individual freedoms of citizens.
Do not plainly express what issue they are addressing and what measurable impact is expected.
Impose unfunded mandates on local governments or new fees on citizens.
Seek to work around the taxpayer’s bill of rights (TABOR).
Impact the entire state in an effort to 'fix' a Denver/Boulder problem.
“Any bill that proposes new spending should have a sunset clause and specify measurable results to be achieved within a set period. If those results are not achieved, the statute should expire.
“The ‘safety clause’, language that enacts a bill into law as soon as signed by the Governor and preventing citizens from petitioning to overturn it prior to enactment, should be rarely used.
“Legislators should always ensure citizens have the means to keep government power in check. Governments should only undertake those functions that cannot be accomplished by the efforts of its citizens. A limited state government results in more freedom and responsibility to local governments, communities, and individuals to resolve issues.”
In addition to the topics above, the ten factors listed below are considerations that must be analyzed prior to introducing or voting on any peice of legislation:
Constitutionality: Consider whether the proposed bill aligns with the state and federal constitutions. If there are potential conflicts with constitutional rights or legal precedents, this could be a significant argument against it.
Impact on Rights and Freedoms: Assess how the bill may affect individual rights and freedoms. Does it unduly infringe upon personal liberties without adequate justification? Does it disproportionately impact certain groups?
Constituents' Opinion: Consider what the citizens of the District think of the proposed legislation. Are there widespread concerns or objections from constituents that should be taken into account?
Economic Implications: Examine the economic impact of the proposed legislation. Will it create undue burdens on businesses or taxpayers? Could it potentially stifle economic growth or innovation?
Social Implications: Consider the broader social implications of the bill. How might it affect different segments of society? Are there unintended consequences that could arise from its implementation?
Effectiveness: Evaluate whether the proposed measures are likely to achieve their intended goals. Are there more effective or efficient alternatives that could be pursued?
Stakeholder Input: Consider whether relevant stakeholders, such as affected communities, businesses, or experts, have been adequately consulted in the drafting of the bill. Lack of stakeholder input could indicate flaws in the proposal.
Legal Clarity and Feasibility: Assess whether the language of the bill is clear and unambiguous, and whether its provisions are feasible to implement and enforce.
Precedents and Comparisons: Look at similar legislation enacted in other jurisdictions or historical precedents. What lessons can be learned from past experiences with similar measures?
Alternatives: Explore alternative approaches to addressing the underlying issues that the bill seeks to tackle. Are there less intrusive or more targeted solutions available?