House Speaker Andrew Romanoff and Republican leader Mike May were deliberating Monday about how to punish Rep. Douglas Bruce, in trouble for kicking a news photographer who took his picture during a prayer.
May, R-Parker, said he has not decided yet whether to yank Bruce from one of his committee assignments.
Romanoff, D-Denver, is weighing the recommendations of a six-member panel that wants to censure Bruce and force him to apologize publicly.
Romanoff’s office said he might make a decision by today. He is awaiting proposed censure language from the Capitol legal staff.
A censure would require a majority vote of the House.
Bruce kicked a Rocky Mountain News photographer on the knee a week ago after the man snapped his picture during the House’s morning prayer.
Senate panel backs 2 for utilities commission.
Matt Baker, the executive director of Environment Colorado, moved closer to being appointed to the Public Utilities Commission on Monday.
Members of the Senate’s Business, Labor and Technology committee voted 5-2 to approve Baker’s appointment. Baker has been criticized by Republicans for statements in the past about traditional coal-fired power plants, and Sen. Jack Taylor, R-Steamboat Springs, grilled Baker on Monday over whether he is “anti-coal.”
Baker responded that coal will remain a big part of the state’s energy portfolio for the foreseeable future but said the state should look at investing in cleaner and renewable technologies.
Also Monday, the committee voted 6-1 to approve the appointment of Jim Tarpey, a lawyer, to the Public Utilities Commission. Sen. Stephanie Takis, D-Aurora, was the only no vote. Both men now face confirmation before the full Senate.
Senate gets bill to recertify vote machines.
A bill allowing Secretary of State Mike Coffman to more quickly recertify election machines was sent to the Senate.
House Bill 1155, which would not lower certification standards, passed the House 63-0.
The House also sent the Senate:
• HB1042, which would exempt people who do animal massages from needing a veterinarian license. They would need a certificate in the technique from a “state- approved or accredited school.”
• HB1048, which would shrink the state seal — stamped on official documents — to 2 1/4 inches.
