Methodology
The Colorado Liberty Scorecard is an annual measure of how our elected State Representatives and State Senators vote according to the principles of individual rights, free markets and limited government.
Our Scorecard Team reads bills as they are introduced in each chamber. We apply conservative principles (see below), then rate each bill either “support” or “oppose”. The committee meets via weekly conference calls during the legislative session to discuss bills.
If bills have conflicting principles, or our principles don’t apply, we do not rate them.
Once ratings are assigned, we compare our positions with the votes of each legislator to calculate scores. We include final committee votes (to pass or postpone indefinitely) as well as Third Reading votes in each chamber. Scores are updated continuously and posted to the website. We employ a search engine developed by Bill Track 50 to follow the more than 700 bills that are introduced in the Colorado Legislature each year.
Photo: Liberty Scorecard officers Sue Moore and Steve Dorman present 2021 Liberty Warrior Award to Rep. Shane Sandridge, HD14 in El Paso County.
Principles of Liberty
Property Rights
Does this bill protect property ownership? Does it interfere with the use of or income produced by the property?
Limited Government
Does the bill expand government’s role outside what is outlined in the Constitution? Does it increase or decrease transparency and accountability?
Fiscal Responsibility
Does the bill limit taxes/fees/fines to those required to perform only those government functions provided for in the Constitution?
