Fighting for Victims Behind the Scenes with Aly Schmidt
Long before a case reaches a courtroom, the laws written at the state capitol decide what rights an injured person or grieving family has. In this episode of Unthinkable, Kyle Bachus talks with Aly Schmidt, co-owner of a Colorado lobbying firm that works with the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, about how laws are made and why victims need a voice at the table.
Why Lobbyists Matter
Colorado has a citizen legislature: 100 lawmakers, most of whom are not attorneys and have other jobs. In a 120-day session, they consider around 700 bills. Lobbyists help them understand what a bill really does. As Kyle and Aly put it, there’s no “coalition of the pre-injured,” and most interests at the capitol are businesses, so someone has to represent the people who will one day be hurt.
How a Bill Becomes Law in Colorado
- A lawmaker sponsors the bill, and legislative staff draft it.
- It goes to a committee, where anyone can testify in person or by Zoom.
- It’s debated and voted on by the full chamber, then repeats the process in the other chamber.
- Any changes must be approved by both chambers before the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature.
Because every bill must get a hearing and a vote, many bills pass, which makes careful review and negotiation all the more important.
Laws That Protect Injured People
Colorado’s wrongful death statute defines who can bring a claim and what can be recovered. For decades, a cap set in 1986 limited some wrongful death damages to $250,000. In 2024, after long negotiations, those caps were substantially increased and tied to inflation. Another example is Colorado’s make-whole law, which generally keeps health insurers from being repaid before an injured person is fully compensated.
Key Takeaways
- Colorado’s legislature is accessible. You can read bills, see sponsors, contact lawmakers, and testify online.
- Hearing from real people is often more powerful than hearing from lobbyists.
- The rights available after a catastrophic injury depend on laws that someone fought to pass.
Ways to Listen
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