DENVER—The Colorado House of Representatives may join 34 other states that are broadcasting legislative sessions on television.
House Speaker Andrew Romanoff, D-Denver, said he is not sure how many people will tune in but he thinks broadcasting the sessions live will help improve decorum. He also said it will help the public understand the Legislature’s role in running state government.
Still to be determined are legal, technical and fiscal issues. Romanoff said it will cost an estimated $30,000 a year to have someone run the cameras.
The sessions also could be archived and put on the Internet to be viewed later, he said.
Comcast Corp. has agreed to provide two cable channels, one for the House and one for the Senate, but the Senate has not decided whether to broadcast sessions.
Legal issues include concerns that the videos will be used in political campaigns.
Romanoff said other lawmakers have raised concerns about lawmakers pandering to the cameras, but he’s not worried.
“I think the risks of abuse are outweighed by the value of access,” he said.
