Rep. Epps and Rep. Marshall Removed from Judiciary Committee for Clashes and Violations of Decorum

Controversial Rep. Elisabeth Epps and Rep. Bob Marshall have been removed from their positions on the Colorado House Judiciary Committee by House Speaker Julie McCluskie. The move became necessary, according to the speaker, to maintain decorum and professionalism.

Speaker McCluskie’s decision comes after a series of clashes and alleged violations of decorum by the two representatives.

Rep. Elisabeth Epps, known for her progressive, often disruptive positions, on various issues, created a stir during Governor Polis' "Extraordinary Special Session." Epps interrupted the proceedings by joining pro-Palestinian demonstrators in the House gallery and cursing at State Rep. Ron Weinberg, who is Jewish, as he spoke about his grandparents' survival during the Holocaust.

Rep. Ron Weinberg, the lone Jewish Republican member of the Colorado House speaks from the well, while being shouted down by Rep. Elisabeth Epps from the gallery.

Such behavior by an elected member of the Colorado House not only violated decorum but also displayed a lack of respect for her fellow representative's personal experiences.

In addition to the incident during the special session, Epps and Marshall had previously filed a lawsuit against Speaker McCluskie and other House members of both parties, alleging violations of the state's open meetings. The lawsuit was settled in September costing the taxpayers tens of thousands of dollars, that the two pocketed.

Rep. Elisabeth Epps and Rep. Bob Marshall

In addition to the removal of Rep. Epps and Rep. Marshall from the House Judiciary Committee is not an isolated action. Rep. Lindsey Daugherty, at her own request, was also removed from the committee. As a result, Democratic Reps. Leslie Herod, Javier Mabrey, and Judy Amabile were appointed to fill the vacant spots.

According to insiders at the Capitol, this move was made in hopes to ensure that the committee will function smoothly and effectively in its duties.

Despite their removal from the Judiciary Committee, Rep. Epps and Rep. Marshall will continue to serve on other committees. Rep. Epps will remain on the State, Civic, Military, and Veterans Affairs Committee, while Rep. Marshall will continue his service on the Finance Committee. This demonstrates the Speaker's commitment to maintaining a balanced representation of voices within the legislature.

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The decision made by Speaker McCluskie has sparked both support and criticism from within the party. Supporters argue that the removals were necessary to uphold professionalism and decorum within the committee, ensuring that it can effectively carry out its responsibilities. However, critics see this move as an attempt to stifle dissenting voices and limit the diversity of opinions within the committee.

In a statement addressing the removals, Speaker McCluskie emphasized the importance of maintaining a productive and respectful committee environment.