DENVER – Today, Senator Kirkmeyer’s government transparency bill, Senate Bill 23-053, passed unanimously in the Colorado State Senate.

Senate Bill 23-053 will guarantee public employees the right to speak freely regarding terms of their employment by prohibiting the state, cities, and counties from issuing nondisclosure agreements to their employees. The bill aims to stop the practice of settling employee disputes through secret, taxpayer-funded arrangements.

“Coloradans have a right to know what their government is up to!” Senator Kirkmeyer said. “Removing the gag of nondisclosure agreements that keep public employees from speaking out about government misconduct, illegal or unethical behavior or just plain incompetence. This bill will give taxpayers the right to know where their tax dollars are being spent, and it will ensure public employees have the freedom to speak about their employment. I am very glad my Democrat colleagues decided to join us in this effort.” 

Removing the gag of Nondisclosure Agreements that keep public employees from speaking out about government misconduct, illegal or unethical behavior or just plain incompetence.

Senate Bill 23-053 is yet another representation of the Colorado Senate Republicans’ multi-year effort to increase transparency in government. 

The bill will be considered in the House in the coming weeks. 

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