(1) The general assembly hereby finds, determines, and declares that:
(a) For over fifty years, firefighters across Colorado have engaged in charitable fundraising events to:
Support medical research of debilitating diseases such as muscular dystrophy;
Provide comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy, and education onbehalf of children and adults with neuromuscular diseases; and
Conduct summer camps for children with muscular dystrophy;
The most successful fundraising event that firefighters have employed is the signature "fill the boot" campaign, which consists of firefighters asking motorists passing fire stations to contribute to the causes specified in paragraph (a) of this subsection (1) by putting money into firefighter boots or facsimiles of firefighter boots; and
Other nonprofit and charitable organizations would benefit from the ability to solicitand accept donations in a similar manner.
(2) Therefore, it is the intent of the general assembly in enacting this article to clarify that local governments may, in their discretion, allow law enforcement personnel and firefighters, other local public safety personnel, and nonprofit or charitable organizations to conduct fundraising activities.
Source: L. 2012: Entire article added, (HB 12-1117), ch. 38, p. 135, § 1, effective March 22.