Last week, the Colorado Independent Ethics Commission heard public testimony regarding the commission's proposed rules. In their testimony, Ethics Watch Director Chantell Taylor and Senior Counsel Luis Toro urged the IEC to remove or amend proposed rules that contradict the constitutional mandate that created the IEC.

On Friday afternoon, the Independent Ethics Commission accepted most of Ethics Watch's recommendations and adopted a final set of rules. Chantell Taylor released the following statement in response:

"Ethics Watch commends the IEC for thoughtfully considering all public comment and adopting a slate of rules that more closely align with the intent of voters. Among other things, the IEC agreed to drop rules that would have given it broad discretion to dismiss complaints that fall squarely within its purview. After waiting 20 months for the necessary appointments and administrative tasks to be completed, we assume the commissioners will immediately begin addressing the complaints and requests for advisory opinions that have languished far too long. Ethics Watch again urges the IEC to open for business and begin the important work mandated by voters."

Colorado Ethics Watch is a non-profit, legal watchdog group dedicated to identifying and exposing ethics issues in city, county and state governments in Colorado, ultimately holding public officials accountable. Colorado Ethics Watch is the only state-specific project of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW).