Don’t touch our weeds
The Colorado Senate on Monday approved Senate Bill 53 to expand the size of lots on which county officials have the power to clear overgrown vegetation. The bill was on the “consent agenda,” which is usually a group of noncontroversial bills that pass unanimously. But the weed-cutting bill prompted an unusual rush to the microphone by Sens. Greg Brophy, R-Wray, and Shawn Mitchell, R-Broomfield, who wanted to vote no. “I just thought it was increasing government power to give landowners a hard time,” Mitchell said. The bill now heads to the House for review.
Birthday boys celebrate
State senators declared Monday that it was “Ronald Reagan Day” in Colorado in honor of the former president. The resolution was sponsored by Sen. Doug Lamborn, R-Colorado Springs, but Senate Majority Leader Ken Gordon, D-Denver, disclosed the secret reason. “Members, we’re doing this resolution today because it’s Ronald Reagan’s birthday,” Gordon said. “But his birthday is shared with Aaron Burr, Babe Ruth, Bob Marley and myself, so you can see the connection.” Gordon turned 56 on Monday.
Leniency endorsed for some first-time liquor-store violators
The House Business Affairs and Labor Committee on Monday approved a Parker Republican’s proposal to offer consideration for some alcohol retailers charged with selling alcohol to minors. If a retailer has proper drinking-age policies in place but an employee nonetheless sells alcohol to a minor, the retailer may be able to keep its liquor licenses if House Bill 1144 becomes law.
Bill sponsor Rep. Mike May said the legislation only applies to first offenses. And it does not affect fines already on the books, he said. “It’s just designed for those who are following all the rules and happen to have an employee who does not follow all the rules,” May said. The bill awaits a vote in the full House of Representatives.
Proposals seek e-mail voting, later absentee ballot signup
The Senate approved allowing soldiers, Peace Corps workers and missionaries to vote by e-mail under a pilot program run by the secretary of state’s office. Senate Bill 62, sponsored by Republican Sen. Jack Taylor of Steamboat Springs, goes next for consideration in the House. The Senate also gave initial backing to House Bill 1012, which would allow voters to request an absentee ballot as late as seven days before an election. Currently the deadline is 11 days before an election. HB 1012 is sponsored by Rep. Ann Ragsdale, D-Westminster.
