COLORADO ANTI-SURVEILLANCE BILL DEFEATED

Colorado HB 1012 was defeated when the Senate Judiciary Committee voted against it 4 to 3 on Wednesday, May 5, 2010. 

 

This bill would have drastically impacted the ability of employers and insurance companies to conduct surveillance on suspected fraudulent or exaggerated worker's compensation claims. 

The Professional Private Investigators Association of Colorado (PPIAC) waged war together with the assistance of members and non-members alike. In addition to substantial grass roots lobbying, PPIAC hired a lobbyist to assist in the battle.  The lobbyist was paid for partially from PPIAC funds, but approximately 50% of the cost came directly from members and non-members.

Joining together with PPIAC in support was the National Council of Investigation and Security Services (NCISS) and the World Association of Detectives (WAD).

 

NCISS assisted with letters sent from Association Officers and their Legislative Chair, Jimmie Mesis. NCISS Lobbyist, Larry Sabbath of Washington, D.C. provided assistance with drafting the text for a sample letter to be distributed for use of those who wanted to voice their opposition to the bill.

 

WAD assisted by voting to donate $1,000 to PPIAC from its legislative fund to help cover expenses associated with opposing the bill. This is the first time WAD donated money to any group other than a national association.

 

PPIAC Officers, Board of Directors and members greatly appreciated the involvement of both NCISS and WAD. 

The end result of this unified effort was that one brave Senator, Senator Linda Newell www.linda4senate.com,  voted against party lines to do the right thing. Without her vote, Colorado investigators would still be fighting for their livelihoods.

 

We can all thank Senator Newell for protecting the interests of PIs everywhere as the language of this restrictive bill had the potential of being adopted across the country if passed.

This is a great example of what can be done when we all work together for a common cause. In unity there is much strength.