Contribution limits for Colorado school board candidates implemented

The Colorado secretary of state’s office Friday adopted new rule revisions changing contribution limits for school board candidates. 

The changes come following two bills passed by the Legislature this year relating to school board candidate contributions and public official reporting requirements. 

School board candidates can now only accept contributions of up to $2,500 from individuals not involved with small donor committees and up to $25,000 from small donor committees. These rules apply to any regular or special school election. 

School board races previously were not subject to contribution caps, unlike most other elective races in Colorado. Support for caps emerged after several high-profile and expensive school board races last year.

The post-election report filing deadline has also been extended from 30 days to 35 days, and candidates seeking reelection who already have a personal disclosure statement on file don’t need to re-file. 

The secretary of state’s office held a rulemaking hearing earlier this month and accepted public comment on the changes. The rules will become effective 20 days after publication in the Colorado Register.