Lawmakers kill bill banning police surveillance of peaceful protesters

By The Associated Press

04.27.02

DENVER — A bill that would have prohibited law enforcement agencies from collecting information on peaceful protesters died April 25 after lawmakers expressed concern about hindering police activity.

The House Civil Justice and Judiciary Committee killed House Bill 1449 by Rep. Peter Groff, D-Denver.

Groff said he proposed the bill because of the Denver Police Department's collection of files on peaceful protest groups and individuals.

"We must infringe on law enforcement activities to protect the undeniable rights of the First Amendment," Groff said. "Nothing and no one, not even the police department, is larger and more important than our constitutional rights."

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