Highlights from the Legislature on Monday.
— The House gave initial approval to a measure (House Bill 1054) that would increase the number of judges throughout the state. It faces a third reading before it goes to the Senate.
— The House Health & Human Services Committee approved a bill clarifying Colorado’s indoor smoking ban (House Bill 1108) and sent it to the House Appropriations Committee.
— The Senate gave final approval to a measure (House Bill 1072) making it easier to set up all union workplaces, sending the bill to Gov. Bill Ritter. Right now, 75 percent of workers must agree to set up all union shops, requiring all employees to pay dues to support the union. The bill would eliminate that election and allow unions to negotiate with companies for the right to charge fees. Workers would have the final say on the issue when they vote on their contract.
New Laws
— Require oil and gas providers to minimize the adverse impacts of drilling on surface owners. (House Bill 1252)
— Require a supermajority of lawmakers approve any law that increases state revenue (House Bill 1240)
— Allows an impounded or forfeited animal that is injured, disabled or diseased to be euthanized without a court order and make it a crime for an owner of a dangerous dog to allow the dog to damage property. (House Bill 1235)
— Allow people who earn an associates degree to transfer credits to a four-year college or university. (House Bill 1236)
— Prohibit an employer from requiring anyone as a condition of employment to become a member of a labor organization or to pay dues. (House Bill 1267)
— Bar insurance companies from denying coverage for members of the armed forces based solely on their service. (House Bill 1253)
— Make it child abuse to sell drugs in the presence of a child. (House Bill 1257)
