Many of you know that there are mandated deadlines for introduction and hearings on bills. We are now on deadline to get bills introduced at the beginning of session heard in committees. The two committees that I serve on (Judiciary and Health and Human Services) seem to have the bulk of these bills!
Monday evening in Health and Human Services we have been busy on clean air issues. My bill, HB1113, allowing the State of Colorado to adopt stricter clean air standards than the federal government, passed out of committee today and now moves to the floor. HB1175, the statewide smoking ban, also passed out of committee. Unfortunately, the Republican members did not stick with the bill sponsor, Rep. Mike May (R-Parker), and the bill passed out of committee with several amendments that provide exceptions. Notably, the casino exception passed with all six Democrats voting "no" except Rep. Frangas, who voted "yes" with the six Republicans. We are also taking action on Rep. Green’s bill regulating the leases of residential care facilities (also known as the "audacity to die" bill). This bill requires that any lease expires within 30 days of the death of a resident of nursing facilities.
In the Judiciary Committee, we have been considering legislation on juvenile crime and internet sex crimes. This week we move on to consider 10 bills regulating sexual predators, animals, and construction contracts. Along the way, we have to consider the constitutionality of these bills – how does the state best protect its citizens while observing the constitutional rights of all citizens. The balance can be difficult to achieve.
I was elected Chair of the Committee on Legal Services in time for introduction of the "Rules Bill." You may recall that last year, this bill was held up in light of difficulties regarding the New Source Review rules, relating to clean air. HB 1113 arises out of that situation. This year, we have considered far less controversial personnel and school board issues.
The weekend of January 21, 2006, I was in Austin, Texas to attend a study meeting of Uniform Laws Commissioners considering a uniform or model bill on Omnibus Business Organizations. During the lunch break, I took a quick tour of the Texas Capitol, and boy, am I jealous! Each member of the Texas legislature has his or her own office, complete with at least several staffers (some senators have up to seven staff members!). In 1997 or so, the new underground extension to the Capitol was completed, providing more office space, parking, a cafeteria, and underground connections to other buildings. And the Texas legislature meets every other year for 140 days! (By the way, the study committee determined that some type of model bill might be useful.)
Please let me know if you are planning on visiting the Capitol – I would love to invite you to join me on the floor and watch government at work!