CSBJ Daily

The Colorado Supreme Court is scheduled to hear arguments about the constitutional amendment that limits lobbyists’ gifts to legislators at 9 a.m. Thursday.

Voters approved Amendment 41 in November 2006. Since then, the Colorado Attorney General attempted to interpret the amendment’s reach. In May, the court granted a temporary injunction until a full hearing on the case’s constitutional issues can be held.

Supporters claim the amendment rightfully limits the gifts that lobbyists can give legislators, but opponents claim the broad language is a violation of the First Amendment and even limits gifts to state employees and their children.

The court will decide whether to affirm the trial court’s preliminary injunction.

If the state Supreme Court upholds the injunction, the case will be remanded to the District Court. If the court overrules, the plaintiffs can appeal to the United States Supreme Court.