Hello everyone,
It’s finally over!!! The first regular session of the 73rd Colorado General Assembly adjourned sine die last night (June 8th) at 7:42 pm. However, like most things this session, it was not easy. The Senate adjourned just after 4 pm, but not before passing a House Bill with some pretty significant amendments. The Senate incorporated components of SB 200 (Reduce Greenhouse Gases Increase Environmental Justice) into HB 1266 (Environmental Justice Disproportionate Impact Community). Governor Polis had threatened to veto SB 200 but came to an agreement with Senate Democrats on some parts of the bill that were then amended into HB 1266. When HB 1266 came back to the House for consideration of the Senate amendments, House Republicans were upset. They argued that portions of the bill had not been debated by the House and few, if any, of the representatives had any idea what was in HB 1266. However, after delaying the process for a few hours, the House concurred with the Senate amendments, repassed HB 1266 with all Republicans and three Democrats voting no and adjourned sine die.
Before adjourning, both chambers passed HB 1250 concerning measures to address law enforcement accountability that expands the peace officer personal liability components of SB 20-217 to state troopers. As I mentioned on Monday, there was still work to do on HB 1250 after it passed second reading in the Senate. However, the work, instead of being in conference committee as I had anticipated, was done prior to third reading that took place Monday. The Senate sponsors of HB 1250 offered two substantive third reading amendments. The first directs the Department of Local Affairs to contract with a nationally recognized research and consulting firm for an independent study to assess and provide a report and findings on evidenced-based policing national best practices by July 1, 2022. The second directs the Colorado Attorney General to convene a group to study procedures related to the use of no-knock warrants and forced entry. The study group shall report its findings and recommendations to the Attorney General on or before December 31, 2021. After adopting these amendments, the Senate passed HB 1250 unanimously on third reading. Yesterday, the House concurred with the Senate amendments and repassed HB 1250 on a 41 to 24 party-line vote.
With sine die in the rearview mirror all eyes now turn from the legislature to the Governor who will have 30 days to either sign, veto, or let the bills passed by the General Assembly become law without his signature. I anticipate the Governor will sign all the bills the CSPA was tracking this year. Only 216 days until the start of the 2022 legislative session!
Bill Skewes
Lobbyist