Statement from Minority Leader Caldwell on Point of Personal Privilege

Thank you, Madam Speaker, for this moment of Personal Privilege.

Members, I rise today NOT to spend this time debunking or offering differing

perspectives on statements made during moments of personal privilege over the last few

days. In fact, that’d be hypocritical to the very point I’m here to make.

I want to address what I and my caucus view as a repeated misuse of Personal Privilege

from this podium.

House Rule 22 of the Colorado House Legislative Rules that were voted on by us outlines

the use of Personal Privilege. It states that members may take personal privilege to speak

on matters that QUOTE “may collectively affect the House, its rights, its dignity, and the

integrity of its proceedings, or the rights, reputation, and conduct of its individual

members in their respective capacities only.”

We’ve seen examples of the proper use of personal privilege that fall within the scope of

Rule 22 during this 75th General Assembly.

During Special Session when a member of the Majority seemed to question the Minority

Caucus’ motivation for speaking long on a bill that questioned the QUOTE, “rights,

reputation, and conduct of its individual members in their respective capacities.”

To the credit of Majority Leadership our Assistant Minority Leader was granted a

moment of Personal Privilege to respond accordingly on behalf of our caucus.

The institution is important and these rules exist to protect it. If abided by these rules

preserve decorum within this chamber and maintain integrity in our proceedings. The

rules are clear a point of personal privilege is not meant to grandstand policy or advance a

political agenda.

Yet, this is now the third time we have seen points of personal privilege used to advance

policy arguments.

If we’re not following Rule 22 will we apply these Points of Personal Privilege fairly?

If a small business in my district closes down, will you grant me Personal Privilege to

criticize this body for the regulation that I believe broke the back of that business?

If a constituent of mine is harmed in a crime - while waiting on a 3 day background check

will you grant me Personal Privilege to lay the blame at your feet?

If anyone in this chamber wants to make their positions known on the happenings in

Minnesota ICE operations in Colorado or disagreements with foreign policy you are free

to post on social media publish an op-ed send a press release and hold a town hall. Or,

you have the ability to run a resolution at which time opposing views and differing

opinions can be heard from the floor.

The credibility of this institution relies on traditions precedence and following the very

rules we vote on ourselves. The precedent we’re setting in the first 50 days of the 2026

session is that Points of Personal Privilege are a substitute for personal grievances

intertwined with political messaging.

As a body we have all made a commitment to decorum in this chamber and if we want

this institution to retain credibility then we must enforce and respect the rules voted on by

us that govern it. Thank you.