After scandals, Colorado lawmakers study misconduct policy

By James Anderson Associated Press

Thursday, April 5, 2018 12:45 AM

DENVER (AP) As the Colorado Legislature grapples with sexual misconduct allegations, lawmakers are set to receive recommended changes to the workplace harassment policy.

Lawmakers hope to use an outside report being presented Thursday as a blueprint for a new policy.

Five Colorado lawmakers have been accused of misconduct. One was expelled and a second survived an expulsion vote.

Colorado's policy considers allegations, investigations and punishment confidential and off-limits to the public. It's up to the accuser whether to release his or her complaint. It defines offensive conduct, but leaves it up to chamber leaders to decide what punishment, if any, to mete out.

Legislators vow to have an updated policy in hand before the 2018 session ends in May.

After scandals, Colorado lawmakers study misconduct policy

Colorado State Sen. Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs, looks on during a debate on the chamber's floor about a Democratic resolution calling for Baumgardner's expulsion Monday, April 2, 2018, in the state Capitol in Denver. Baumgardner is accused of inappropriately touching a former legislative aide. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Colorado state Sen. Kerry Donovan, D-Edwards, talks about a resolution to expel Sen. Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs, during a debate on the chamber's floor about the Democratic measure, Monday, April 2, 2018, in the State Capitol in Denver. Baumgardner is accused of inappropriately touching a former legislative aide. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Legislative aides stand in unison during the reading of a Democratic resolution calling for the expulsion of Colorado state Sen. Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs, during a debate on the chamber's floor, Monday, April 2, 2018, in the State Capitol in Denver. Baumgardner is accused of inappropriately touching a former legislative aide. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Colorado state Sen. Irene Aguilar, D-Denver, speaks about a Democratic resolution calling for the expulsion of Sen. Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs, during a debate on the chamber's floor, Monday, April 2, 2018, in the State Capitol in Denver. Baumgardner is accused of inappropriately touching a former legislative aide. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Colorado Senate President Kevin Grantham, R-Canon City, listens to debate about a Democratic resolution to expel Senator Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs, during a debate on the chamber's floor, Monday, April 2, 2018, in the State Capitol in Denver. Baumgardner is accused of inappropriately touching a former legislative aide. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Colorado state Sen. Jerry Sonnenberg, R-Sterling, left, looks over a Democratic resolution to expel Senator Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs, right, during a debate on the chamber's floor calling for Baumgardner's expulsion, Monday, April 2, 2018, in the State Capitol in Denver. Baumgardner is accused of inappropriately touching a former legislative aide. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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In this Thursday, March 8, 2018, photo, Colorado State Senator Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs, listens to debate on a concealed carry bill during action on the floor of the chamber in the State Capitol in Denver. The Republican-led Senate has agreed to debate a Democratic resolution calling for the expulsion of Baumgardner, who is accused of inappropriately touching a former legislative aide. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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Colorado State Sen. Randy Baumgardner, R-Hot Sulphur Springs, laughs with a fellow lawmaker before a debate on the chamber's floor about a Democratic resolution calling for Baumgardner's expulsion Monday, April 2, 2018, in the state Capitol in Denver. Baumgardner is accused of inappropriately touching a former legislative aide. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

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FILE - In this Jan. 13, 2016, file photo, Colorado Democratic State Senators Lucia Guzman, left, and Rollie Heath, right, sit at their desks on the opening day of the 2016 Colorado Legislature, at the Capitol, in Denver. Guzman has stepped down from her post in part to protest Republican leadership's handling of workplace harassment complaints. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File)

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FILE - In this Jan. 11, 2017, file photo, state Sen. Lucia Guzman, D-Denver, applauds during the opening session of the 2017 Colorado Legislature at the Capitol in Denver. Guzman stepped down as minority leader on Thursday, March 22, 2018, citing frustration with majority Republicans handling of workplace harassment allegations. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File)

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