Judge puts gift-ban provision on hold
Lynn Bartels, the Rocky Mountain News
Published May 31, 2007 at midnight
A Denver District Court judge on Thursday blocked the gift-ban provisions of a controversial ethics measure voters approved last fall.
The ruling means lobbyists and others are free to give gifts — including meals and tickets to sporting events — to elected officials, government workers, contract employees and their families.
Amendment 41 banned gifts worth more than $50 to elected officials, government workers, contract employees and their families.
The measure also prohibited lobbyists from giving anything,
including a cup of coffee, to a lawmaker.
Judge Christina Habas ruled those two provisions had a "chilling
effect."
"We’re thrilled," said Doug Friednash, the attorney who sued to overturn Amendment 41 on behalf of various groups and individuals.
Votes last November approved Amendment 41.
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