Highlights from the Legislature on Friday.
— The House approved and sent to the Senate on a 61-1 vote a bill by state Rep. Morgan Carroll, D-Aurora, that sets up a dispute resolution process for Home Owner Associations. Carroll said there are 1.5 million Coloradans living in HOAs and they need a way to resolve issues. The bill (House Bill 1135) sets up mediation of disputes and requires an impartial fact-finder before fees and fines can be imposed.
— A bill designating a state reptile is moving slowly through the Legislature. The measure (House Bill 1017) would give the western painted turtle that honor. It passed on a voice vote and faces a third reading before going to the Senate.
— The full Senate gave initial approval to a measure (Senate Bill 3) that allows families of four earning up to $41,000 to get Medicaid coverage for family planning services. Some Republicans objected because they thought that it would indirectly fund abortions at clinics that provide both abortion and family planning by freeing up more money.
— The full Senate confirmed the appointments of Samuel G. Betters of Loveland, Kevin Marchman of Denver and Mark J. O’Connor to the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority board.
New Bills Introduced
— Recognize the importance of English language competence for a person to be a safe, productive, participating member of society and adopt English language competency as a high school graduation requirement.
