DENVER - Deciding it had no authority to regulate free speech outside the Capitol, a divided legislative ethics panel took no action Thursday against a business lobbyist accused of lying to voters about two Democratic lawmakers.

Reps. Alice Borodkin of Denver and Nancy Todd of Aurora had accused William Mutch, who represents the business lobbying organization Colorado Concern, of orchestrating calls to constituents saying Borodkin and Todd were sponsoring a bill that would raise home taxes.

Borodkin and Todd said no such bill existed.

The calls came as lawmakers were considering legislation to make it easier for home buyers to get builders to make warranty repairs.

Mutch could have been barred from lobbying at the Capitol or issued a letter of censure. Instead, the divided ethics panel referred the matter to the Legislature's executive committee. That panel could take disciplinary action, but it's not likely with two of three ethics committee members raising doubts.