Now, for the final act.
State lawmakers wrapped up their work on Monday, but Gov. Bill Owens still has a stack of bills to review before the work of the 2006 legislature is complete.
As of Thursday, 16 bills had made their way to the governor’s desk, said Owens spokesman Dan Hopkins.
But the governor expects about 200 bills total to wind down to the first-floor executive suite from the legislative chambers on the second floor of the Capitol
Then, the governor will have until June 7 to veto, sign, or let the bills become law without his signature.
The bills include last-minute settlements of long-brewing fights, such as the proposed solution to the underfunded pension fund for state workers.
Others, including bills that would make identity theft a felony and would ban public contracts for employers that knowingly hire illegal immigrants, are bipartisan agreements that should win easy approval.
Some are “veto bait” that legislative Democrats will use to define their differences with the Republican governor.
Among the bills awaiting final disposition:
Prescription drug list. Senate Bill 1 calls for the state to join a multi-state purchasing pool that would offer discounted prescription drugs to residents. Owens vetoed a similar measure last year.
Sexual orientation. Senate Bill 81 would protect gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgender people from workplace discrimination. Owens vetoed a similar measure last year.
Kids First license plate. Senate Bill 100 would create a new license plate that will channel proceeds to a health-promotion and injury-prevention fund.
Creating a Human Smuggling Unit. Senate Bill 225 would direct the Colorado State Patrol to assign 12 employees to crack down on human trafficking on state highways. The first-year cost would be more than $1.5 million.
Lobbying reform and curbs on office accounts. House Bill 1149 and Senate Bill 51 would impose new limits on lawmakers and lobbyists. Lobbyists would be required to provide more detailed information in their state filings. Lawmakers would not be allowed to accept cash donations to operate office accounts.
Staff writer Mark P. Couch can be reached at 303-820-1794 or mcouch@denverpost.com.
